Ware Makes It Official--He’s Open to NFL Draft

Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware will pass up his senior year and declare himself available for the NFL draft, the University of Houston quarterback said today.

“This is by far the most difficult decision I have had to make in all my years. I have cherished my three years here but, for a variety of reasons, I am declaring myself for the NFL draft,” Ware said in an emotional statement at a news conference.

Ware said he would not discuss the information he used to make his decision but said he believes he made the right move.

“I made the decision and I’ll go with it 100%,” he said. “It’s not a bad decision either way. It was never my goal to be the No. 1 pick or go real high. The goal is to play pro football.

“(San Francisco 49ers quarterback) Joe Montana wasn’t a first-round pick and (Houston Oilers quarterback) Warren Moon wasn’t even drafted, and he’s one of the best. There was no one factor I looked at.”

Shortly after winning the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 2, Ware guaranteed he would return for his senior season with the Cougars.

“Since Dec. 2 a lot of things have taken place at UH and in the NFL as far as allowing juniors into the draft,” Ware said. “Yes, that statement bothered me a little, but you have to understand what all has happened since I made that statement.”

Houston Coach John Jenkins said that Ware is in an elite group of players who could benefit from leaving school early but that his decision should not be considered a message for all college players.

“Young men who take this as a quick escape, let it be known that it’s not,” the coach said. “In Andre’s case, he’s close to getting his degree and he will get it.”

Speculation among some National Football League observers is that Ware would benefit from another year of collegiate seasoning, despite his record-setting 1989 season.