Heisman Trophy winner Leinart still not sure if he’ll return

Matt Leinart is putting off a decision on whether to jump to the NFL until after the Orange Bowl.

The Heisman Trophy winner reiterated Friday that he isn’t ruling out leaving Southern California after his junior season – but he hasn’t made up his mind.

“There’s a lot for me to get better at,” Leinart said. “Maybe not awards and statistically and all that, but I think physically and mentally I can grow.”

Leinart became the sixth USC player – and second quarterback in three years, following Carson Palmer in 2002 – to win the Heisman, after completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 2,990 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Leinart needs to declare whether he’ll enter the draft by Jan. 15.

Hokies leave door open for Vick

Marcus Vick, the younger brother of NFL star Michael Vick, is on track to return to Virginia Tech’s football team in 2005.

The 20-year-old Vick was suspended this season after a night of drinking with underage girls. He avoided jail by pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge.

The Hokies left the door open for Vick’s return, as long as he completed a drug education and counseling program. So far, he’s fulfilled the conditions for being readmitted in time for spring practice.

“We’re hoping for a happy ending, a successful ending to this story,” coach Frank Beamer said.

The No. 9 Hokies (10-2) meet third-ranked Auburn in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night.

Ex-Buckeye Ferguson dies

Bob Ferguson, an All-American fullback at Ohio State who played for coach Woody Hayes and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1961, died Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 64.

Ferguson starred from 1959-61 and was an All-American his last two seasons. He scored 26 TDs, including four against Michigan in 1961, when the Buckeyes defeated the Wolverines 50-20 to cap an 8-0-1 season.