February 1, 2007

Danny Ware and Bob McClellan
Rivals.com College Football

Former University of Georgia running back Danny Ware knows he surprised a lot of people by entering the NFL Draft early. He saw a crowded Bulldogs backfield and a quarterback in Matt Stafford who might have the offense moving toward relying on the pass. Ware figured it was time to leave the hedges behind and roll the dice. Ware finished the season as Georgia's second-leading rusher with 326 yards and three touchdowns on 81 carries. He also caught 14 passes for 184 yards. It was quite the comedown from his freshman season when he showed flashes of brilliance by gaining 692 yards on 138 carries. In this entry Ware talks about his decision to enter the draft, what he has heard about his draft status, and his preparations for the NFL Combine in Indianapolis later this month:

"I looked at my situation (at Georgia) and just felt like it was the right time to come out. I feel like I can go to an NFL team and help the organization get better ? on the practice squad, on special teams, maybe even as a starter. I'll do whatever they want me to do.

"Everybody is saying something different as far as when I might get drafted. The worst thing I've heard is like the sixth round. The best would be second or third. I haven't heard anything about not getting drafted."

What are you doing to get ready for the Combine and what are you working on leading up to it?

I'm working out at Competitive Edge Sports in Duluth, Ga. I'm working on 40 times, shuttle time. I don't even know (what his current 40-yard dash time is). I'm just concentrating on trying to get better. We'll get up there and I'll see where I stand.

Are you banking on the reputation of past Georgia running backs to help your draft status?

"I hope so. NFL people know that Georgia produces great running backs. We play in the toughest conference in the nation in the SEC, and I hope that helps them decide."

When reached by Rivals.com on Wednesday, Ware and his father were on their way to get matching tattoos.

"We're getting 'Like Father, Like Son.' I have six tattoos. I guess this will be Nos. 7 and 8 because I'm getting 'Like Father' on my right biceps and 'Like Son' on my left biceps. My dad, he's been with me through thick and thin so he's getting it, too."

More NFL Draft Diaries: Florida's Marcus Thomas | Wisconsin's Joe Thomas | Boston College's Josh Beekman