Football

April 24, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State cornerback Jeremy Ware, who recorded a career-best 52 tackles as a fifth-year senior, has been selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round (No. 215 overall) of the 2010 National Football League Draft Saturday, April 24.

The Spartans have had at least one player chosen since the inception of the common NFL Draft 44 years ago in 1967.

The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Ware started 12 of 13 games at field corner in 2009 and finished seventh on the team with 52 tackles (39 solos, 13 assists), with three resulting in losses (19 yards) including two sacks (18 yards). His five pass break-ups ranked second on the team. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the league's head coaches, Ware was named co-recipient of the team's President's Award for perseverance.

He posted six tackles six tackles against Texas Tech in the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl, with a career-high two for losses (9 yards) including an 8-yard sack. Ware produced five stops against Iowa, including a 10-yard sack. He recorded a career-best 10 tackles in MSU's 24-14 victory over Northwestern. Ware registered seven solo tackles and a pass break-up at Notre Dame. He had six tackles, an interception and a pass break-up against Central Michigan.

"Jeremy Ware was a solid player for two years and really enjoyed a productive senior season," MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said. "He really had a great Pro Day, showing off his raw speed and explosiveness. He has all of the tools to become an outstanding pro player. We wish Jeremy all the best."

"I definitely had some expectations heading into this weekend's NFL Draft," Ware said. "Both the New York Jets and New York Giants had shown some interest, and I flew out to Oakland for a physical and meetings with the coaches. So I felt good about my chances of being selected.

"Running in the 4.3 range at MSU's Pro Day definitely put me in a position to get drafted. Oakland's coaches indicated that they really like my speed, my ability to tackle in the open field and my ability to play man-to-man coverage.

"This has been an exciting day, and I really appreciate (Mark Dantonio) Coach D thinking about me earlier this week and giving me a call. He said that he had been thinking about me, and that he was confident that somebody would give me a shot."

A two-year letterman, Ware appeared in 26 career games, including 16 starting assignments. His career totals include 84 tackles (58 solos, 26 assists), two interceptions and 13 passes defended.

The Fort Myers, Fla., native earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in December 2009.

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