Leaf’s Amateur Days Are Over

Ryan Leaf led Washington State to its first Rose Bowl game in 67 years. He won’t try for a second one.

The strong-armed quarterback said Friday he will pass up his senior year to make himself eligible for the NFL draft.

“I’ve accomplished as much as I could in college football,” he said. “The next challenge is the NFL.”

Leaf said he made up his mind well before his team lost to Michigan, 21-16, in the Rose Bowl.

He said he consulted with some top pro and college quarterbacks, and agent Leigh Steinberg came to his home in Great Falls, Mont., during Thanksgiving.

Leaf, 6 foot 6 and 240 pounds, finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting last month and has been projected as a high first-round draft pick, but he said money was not an issue.

“I would play for free,” he said. “But if they are going to pay me, I’ll take it. You go to college for financial security.”

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Oklahoma State’s R.W. McQuarters, who played defensive back and wide receiver for the Cowboys, also will give up his final year of eligibility to try the NFL draft.