Versatile Ware Can Throw More Than Book at Them

Matt Ware is buried in English requirements, reading a 400-page book and writing three five-page essays every week. Yet for all his study of the language, the UCLA freshman apparently doesn’t understand the meaning of the word no.

His responsibilities increase with every football practice this spring, and the looming summer offers not a respite but a new challenge.

Ware, a Sporting News freshman All-American cornerback last season, also ran a handful of plays at quarterback and made one reception at receiver. What was then a novelty could become necessity.

Cory Paus is the Bruins’ only experienced quarterback, bringing urgency to Ware’s development at the position. He meets with Coach Bob Toledo and quarterback coach John Pearce daily, adding to his workload.

“A play a day, that’s it, I learn a play a day,” Ware said.

Last season his duties consisted of simple keepers around end and a rudimentary option play. Toledo is adding a variety of calls, including counters and even an occasional pass.

“He’s such a threat,” Toledo said. “He doesn’t throw the ball well enough to be a [full-time] quarterback, but he can add a dimension with his athleticism and ability to run the ball. It’s something he’s eager about and willing to learn.”

All while rushing from quarterback meetings to one-on-one sessions with receiver coach Ron Caragher to learn pass routes.

And while learning a new defensive position, free safety.

And while realizing that his professional baseball career with the Seattle Mariners will begin a few days after the spring quarter ends, a six-week rookie league assignment in Peoria, Ariz.

The weight of responsibility on Ware is greater than a full shelf of those 400-page hardcover English tomes, but he makes light of it, breaking into a lopsided grin when accused of being unable to say enough is enough.

“I’m very excited to contribute on both sides of the ball,” he said. “I’m excited about baseball. I’m all for it. Why not?”

Only he can answer that, but spreading himself so thin eventually could be problematic.

Ware’s primary role is anchoring the secondary at safety--his high school position--because of the departure of seniors Marques Anderson and Jason Stephens.

“It’s my natural spot, but there is a lot to learn,” Ware said. “In high school I just freelanced a lot. I have to read the tackle and the back and make adjustments. I have to provide run support. It’s more complicated than corner.”

His progress slowed when he twisted his left knee in practice Wednesday and sat out most of Thursday’s scrimmage.

As soon as he’s sound, though, it will be back to safety, back under center, back to receiver. Last season, Ware led the team with five interceptions, averaged 5.5 yards in four carries and gained 49 yards on his only reception.

Spring football ends with an April 27 scrimmage. Ware will focus on school for about a month and then report to Peoria, where he will take on a sport he hasn’t played in three years.

Enamored of his athleticism and strong character, the Mariners drafted him in the 21st round last June on the basis of a tryout and gave him a signing bonus of about $200,000.

For now, he is focused on weight training, beefing up from 195 pounds to 205.

“When the time comes I’ll be all baseball,” he said.

His only reminder is a baseball that sits on his desk. During breaks from studying he picks it up and tosses it in the air.

Enough frivolity. Ware buries his head back into the English books. There is no time to waste, not with so much to learn. Somewhere in those books is the word overload, but he’s not there yet.