Ismail Leaves Notre Dame for NFL Draft

Raghib (Rocket) Ismail, Notre Dame’s talented flanker, rusher and return specialist, said today he would give up his final year of college football to enter the NFL draft.

“This decision isn’t one that happened overnight,” Ismail said.

Ismail had said repeatedly during the 1990 season that he would return for his final season. But he said the death of teammate Chris Zorich’s mother made him rethink his decision.

“It made me feel that I wanted to do something for my mother and my family,” Ismail said.

He said he was supported in his decision by Coach Lou Holtz, his family, friends and teammates.

“It just made me feel really great,” he said.

Ismail said the prospect of a lucrative contract was only one factor that drew him to the NFL.

“Money isn’t everything. Money isn’t happiness,” he said.

Ismail said he will return to Notre Dame during the off-season to finish the 30 credits he needs to graduate.

In a prepared statement, Holtz said Ismail will be an asset to any team that drafts him.

“We thank Rocket for the contribution he has made to the University of Notre Dame, both on the field and off,” Holtz said. “He has been a pleasure to coach, and we certainly wish him well.”

College players with remaining eligibility have until Feb. 1 to petition the NFL to enter the spring draft.

Ismail, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., had conferred in recent weeks with friends, players and coaches about giving up his final year of eligibility to enter the draft, sports information director John Heisler said.

“The overwhelming majority of people are saying, ‘Looking at the pros and cons, you should go,’ ” he said.

Ismail was a two-time All-American and runner-up for the 1990 Heisman Trophy. In three seasons, he returned five kickoffs for touchdowns, one short of the NCAA record by USC’s Anthony Davis from 1970-72.

In one of his most dramatic plays, Ismail returned a punt for an apparent touchdown late in Notre Dame’s 10-9 Orange Bowl loss to Colorado on New Year’s Day. The score would have given the Irish the lead, but a penalty nullified the spectacular run.

During his career, Ismail gained 4,187 all-purpose yards and scored 15 touchdowns.