Abdul-Khaliq just wants chance to play as a pro

Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

Perhaps the best way to describe the Las Vegas All-American Classic at Sam Boyd Stadium is a lot of helmets you should recognize, and a lot of names you probably won't.

But there are a few exceptions, and two will be playing quarterback for the East team which will square off against the West at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in this latest addition to the college all-star game lineup, which had its origin in St. George, Utah, a couple of years ago.

Minnesota's Asad Abdul-Khaliq blossomed during his senior year, throwing 17 touchdown passes against just five interceptions to finish fifth in the NCAA in passing efficiency behind North Carolina State's Philip Rivers, Miami of Ohio's Ben Roethlisberger, USC's Matt Leinart and Boise State's Ryan Dinwiddie.

Ohio State's Scott McMullen played so well in spelling the oft-injured Craig Krenzel during the Buckeyes' national championship defense that he was invited to the game despite being a backup.

Ironically, these semi-household names probably won't be among the ones from this game called at the Theater at Madison Square Garden April 24-25 during the 69th NFL draft. But that's also why they are here, as the Classic affords them one more chance to audition for and network with dozens of pro scouts.

The NFL is filled with free agents who have made the most of a training camp invite, and that's what guys such as Abdul-Khaliq and McMullen are pinning their hopes on.

"I was fortunate enough to have a pretty good passing season ... so I think I showed I can throw the ball," said Abdul-Khaliq, who led the Gophers to an entertaining 31-30 victory over Oregon in the Sun Bowl. "The question mark was about my arm, so this is another opportunity for me out here."

Abdul-Khaliq said he has no idea what his football future may hold. Or even if he has one.

"Right now it's just wait and see," said Abdul-Khaliq, whose forte prior to this year was his running and scrambling. "I'll keep working out and get in the best shape that I can so when teams do come around to look at me, I'll be ready."

During practice breaks, Abdul-Khaliq was one of several East all-stars checking out the Las Vegas Gladiators arena football league team on an adjacent practice field.

"I don't care where it is," he said about playing as a pro. "I just want an opportunity to show myself. Every time I've had an opportunity to show my skills, I've always done it. There's no reason to stop now, especially with things on the line for me."

If Abdul-Khaliq stood 6-foot-4 instead of 6-1, as he's generously listed on the roster sheet, the only thing on the line probably would be his name on the bottom of a lucrative NFL contract.

He laughed when asked if he would trade all those passing yards at Minnesota for three more inches.

"Probably would," Abdul-Khaliq said. "If I was 6-4, you and me probably wouldn't be having this conversation."

McMullen, an Ohio high school phenom who lived a boyhood dream by playing for his beloved Buckeyes, has the size to play as a pro (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) but hasn't had enough snaps to prove he also has the talent.

But almost every time he got on the field at Ohio State, he was effective. McMullen completed 51 of 78 passes this year for 615 yards and five touchdowns against three interceptions. Many posters in the OSU Internet chat rooms felt that he, and not Krenzel, should have been the Bucks' starter.

"I don't really look back at it because I'm pretty confident in the decision I made," McMullen said when asked if he might have been better off at a smaller school.

"I didn't get a chance to play a lot but I met a lot of nice people and played with a lot of great guys. By going to Ohio State, I think I set myself up for the future, whether it's the arena league, Canada, Europe or wherever.

"But growing up in Ohio and being part of that tradition and especially winning the national championship ... I've got memories and experiences that I'll never forget."