THE SIDELINES : Ismail Reported Bound for NFL

A Notre Dame spokesman said today that football star Raghib (Rocket) Ismail has not discussed a possible move to the NFL with any school officials.

“There has been no conversation between Raghib and (Coach) Lou Holtz or anybody else at Notre Dame about making a decision to leave,” said sports information director John Heisler.

The National reported today that Ismail will likely skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

“It’s logical to think he would be giving it some consideration, if people are throwing around the dollar amounts they talk about these days,” Heisler said. “I think it’s crazy to think that he’s not.”

Ismail, runner-up in this year’s Heisman Trophy voting, has stated repeatedly that he plans to return to Notre Dame next season. He has until Feb. 1 to enter the draft, where he could be the No. 1 pick.

Ismail is away from campus during semester break and will not return until registration day next week.