College Football Players Opt for NFL Draft

Strategic Insights -

Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf and Oklahoma State defensive back/receiver R.W. McQuarters are the latest college football players to opt for the NFL draft. Leaf, who led the Cougars to their first Rose Bowl in 67 years, has established himself as a top prospect with 3,637 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes. McQuarters, a two-way starter for the Cowboys, has also made a name for himself with 25 snaps at receiver and four tackles in the Alamo Bowl. Both players are expected to be high draft picks, with Leaf potentially being the first quarterback chosen.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryan Leaf, Washington State quarterback, has opted to enter the NFL draft after establishing Pac-10 records with 3,637 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, and 3,583 yards of total offense.
  • Leaf has been projected as a high first-round draft pick and could be the first quarterback chosen in the draft.
  • Oklahoma State defensive back/receiver R.W. McQuarters has also opted to enter the NFL draft, citing his desire to pursue a career in the National Football League.
  • McQuarters, a two-way starter for the Cowboys, played more than 100 snaps during their 33-20 loss to Purdue in the Alamo Bowl.
  • Bruce Fitzpatrick, the official timer at the Rose Bowl, has confirmed that the officials handled the clock correctly at the end of the game.
  • Fitzpatrick stated that Washington State had time to run one more play if they hadn't spiked the ball in an attempt to stop the clock.

Statistics:

  • Ryan Leaf set Pac-10 records with 3,637 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, and 3,583 yards of total offense.
  • Oklahoma State defensive back/receiver R.W. McQuarters played more than 100 snaps during their 33-20 loss to Purdue in the Alamo Bowl.
  • Leaf was third in Heisman Trophy voting last month and has been projected as a high first-round draft pick.
  • Washington State averaged 42 points and 502 yards of offense per game.

Sources:

  • Washington Post (January 2, 1998)
  • USA Today (January 2, 1998)
  • Associated Press (January 1, 1998)
  • El Camino College official (January 1, 1998)