UW’s Star Center Plans To Enter Nfl Draft

The Washington Huskies are going to lose Olin Kreutz, a mainstay in their offensive line the past two seasons, to the NFL.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound All-America center said Wednesday that he’s going to pass up his senior season to enter April’s draft.

Kreutz, 21, will play in his final game for Washington in the Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day.

“It doesn’t matter where I go,” he told a news conference. “I could be a free agent and make a lot of money.”

Coach Jim Lambright compared Kreutz favorably with Bern Brostek, who played for Washington from 1986 through 1989 before being a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1990. Brostek was released by the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday after playing in only one game this season because of a back injury.

Kreutz is expected to go late in the first round or early in the second round next year.

“I think Olin certainly will be the No. 1 center taken,” Lambright said. “The fact that he has such quick feet and has a 500-pound-plus bench press gives you a player who physically can compete at the next level.”

Kreutz’s decision was expected. A two-time All-Pac-10 first team selection, he won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s offensive lineman of the year this season.

He helped the Huskies lead the Pac-10 in the fewest sacks allowed (24) this season as Washington set a single-season passing record with 2,790 yards.

“If I came back next year, I’d have to prove I could still compete at the same level I competed at the last two years,” he said. “I think staying next year, it would have been harder to prove it again. I think that’s tougher than going to the NFL and being a rookie.”

Kreutz said he wants to provide financial help for his mother, Lora, who is a teacher in Honolulu. He said his mother supported his decision.