Scott Ware
SS, USC
Numbers: 6011/213/4.72 (NFL Pro Day)
2006 preseason stats: 1 pass deflection with Philadelphia
2005 stats: 32 tackles, 19 assists, 1-1 tackles for loss, 1-30-0
interceptions, 2 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 1-0-0 fumble recovery with
Southern Cal
The player: On a Trojans team studded with stars, Ware always stood out.
It's not that he was their best player, but he was the guy responsible for the
most bone-jarring and highlight-reel worthy hits. Say all you will about his
backfield partner Darnell Bing, it was Ware who really packed the big-time
lumber. Whether jamming a lane, blitzing or in pursuit, Ware can deliver
jarring, intimidating blows in the mold of Doug Plank or (dare I even say it)
Chuck Cecil. And he's plenty instinctive Ñ you'll never see him chasing the
back on play action or frozen by a pump fake. He has a quick analytical mind
that helps him in coverage. So why did he go undrafted and get cut by the Eagles
after two preseason games? Well, the NFL just doesn't have a lot of room for
safeties with 4.72 forties and stiff hips no matter what else is on their
resumes. While Ware may have the perfect head and heart for the game, he doesn't
have the body Ñ at least for this era when most safeties are more like the
corners of 15 years ago. While he's smooth, even graceful, in his drops, he's
not great moving laterally, especially in anticipation. He's easily outdistanced
by all but a few fullbacks on long routes unless he leave a giant cushion and,
although he's a solid fundamental tackler, he's one juke away from giving the
other team six on any play because of his lack of catch-up speed. Still, Ware's
astute play could make him a decent part-time contributor as a Cover-2 safety or
special-teams contributor and he has perhaps even better potential as a weakside
linebacker prospect.
How he fits: With Mike Doss out, Bob Sanders as reliable as a 20-year-old
Alfa Romeo and Antoine Bethea beginning to show signs of Long-season
wear-and-tear, the Colts were desperate for a little safety depth. If you scan
the horizon, you'll probably agree that Ware is the best and most suitable guy
out there, but he would probably only play in case of dire emergency. More
intriguing, though, is the idea that Ware, who has a lot in common with Cato June but is a harder hitter, could have a future as a linebacker. Perhaps a few
practice squad reps at the position and a spring in Europe could prove his
worth.
Reminds me of: While most of the safeties he reminds me of retired years
ago, ware does have a striking similarity to Greg Blue, the former Georgia free
safety who plays occasionally for the Vikings and may also eventually find
himself a linebacker.
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