GAINESVILLE, Fla. — At 80 percent health on a fractured right ankle, Percy Harvin was still arguably the best player on the field Thursday in Florida's national championship victory against Oklahoma.

That courageous 171-yard performance was enough to make NFL scouts fall in love. It could also be the paradox that worsens his draft stock.

Harvin had to be courageous because, once again, he was hurt. The NFL is quick to brand the prone-to-injury stigma on a player, and Harvin might have trouble escaping it as he decides this week whether to declare for the NFL draft or stay at Florida for his senior season.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow announced Sunday that he will return for his senior year. Gators teammates say they expect linebacker Brandon Spikes to do the same before Thursday's NFL deadline.

Harvin is an enigma here because his talent isn't. His on-field performance screams top-15 draft pick. Few college football players are more skilled and explosive than Harvin, who also happens to be on an elite list of players with personal trainers on speed dial.

Harvin has missed five career games, but he's missed many more practices with various ankle, heel and hip injuries.

"His injuries will scare teams, and it will probably keep him out of the top 15 picks," said Todd McShay, an NFL draft analyst for ESPN. "When he's 100 percent, he has more potential than (Miami Dolphins') Ted Ginn Jr. With his kind of game-breaking speed, it wouldn't shock me if he winds up in the first round. It's really hard to find guys who can break a game open with one touch. Harvin can do that."

Harvin told Sun Sports on Sunday that he is leaning toward coming back but hasn't made a final decision.

"I'll sit down with (Coach Urban Meyer) tomorrow and he'll help me make that decision," Harvin said.

Numerous factors could sway Harvin, including how staying in school could hurt — or help — his draft stock. Considering Harvin's talent will shine in NFL workouts with his 4.3-second 40-yard dash, added strength and an extensive skill set, he can probably guarantee a relatively high draft place now.

If a team can get him fully healthy, he could become one of the NFL's best playmakers, a Steve Smith type or a DeSean Jackson with more muscle. Harvin hardly practices at Florida because of injuries and still puts up thousands of yards and dozens of touchdowns. He holds the current national record with a touchdown in 15 consecutive games.

Even if Harvin already has decided in his mind, he's talked excitedly about his Gators and the future for 2009, suggesting — along with Tebow and Spikes in the past — that the trio could mirror the basketball "04s." Former Gators hoops stars Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Taurean Green won back-to-back national titles together by staying in school for the 2007 season.

"We feel we're a dynasty," Harvin said. "We've got a great team coming back. We'll get back to the drawing board and try to repeat."

Some players might be difficult to project at the next level, but most scouts are convinced that Harvin can be a playmaker.

Mel Kiper Jr. compares Harvin to Reggie Bush, a guy who can receive the ball from anywhere on the field.

"He can change the scoreboard," Kiper said. "There aren't many guys in the league who can do that."

Meyer can't decide for Harvin, but he says he takes solace in Harvin's supportive family that can discern what's right and wrong.

"I love you," Meyer said he would tell Harvin. "You made the right decision and I'll support you whatever you do. You gave your heart to the Gator nation and Gator football team and whatever you decide (is fine)."