When stardom fades, diploma stays; Ex-players go back to school after pro dreams are dashed.(Sports)

Byline: ALAN ABRAHAMSON Los Angeles Times

It came to Darnell Autry, once a star running back, a Heisman Trophy finalist, that life could offer more than working hotel security in Las Vegas.

If only he had his college degree.

It occurred to Hudhaifa Ismaeli, once a star defensive back, that life could offer more than a place on the production line in a factory that made sewer pipes.

If only he had his college degree.

Standouts in college, both among the key players on Northwestern's improbable run 10 years ago to an undisputed 1995 Big Ten title and the 1996 Rose Bowl, neither Autry nor Ismaeli made it big in the NFL. Each had left …