MIAMI - Not even a devastating injury could stop Willis McGahee from turning pro.

McGahee, who tore two knee ligaments in the Fiesta Bowl, said in a statement released by his uncle yesterday that he had decided to forgo his final two seasons at the University of Miami and enter the NFL draft.

McGahee, who completed the best season for a Hurricanes running back before being injured in Miami's loss to Ohio State on Jan. 3, decided after getting three medical opinions. One renowned surgeon told McGahee his surgically repaired left knee should be healed in time for the next NFL season.

McGahee's decision came about one month after he took out a $2.5 million insurance policy. He will collect only if his injury ends his football career within a four-game period.