Huard Says He’ll Stay

University of Washington quarterback Brock Huard said he will return for his junior season rather than enter the National Football League draft.

Huard, a third-year sophomore, completed 164 of 274 passes for 2,319 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Huskies this season. He finished fifth in the nation in passing efficiency even though he was slowed by an ankle injury for several games.

“This was more of a heartfelt decision than anything else,” said Huard, who led the Huskies to an 8-4 record. “I’m going to do my best to bring us back to the Rose Bowl next year. That was my plan from the very beginning.”

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Huard, who has already thrown a school-record 36 touchdown passes during his first two seasons, said he sought advice about whether he should turn professional from a number of NFL players, including former Washington quarterback Warren Moon.

Huard also said he submitted his name to a group of NFL general managers who told him that he would be drafted no later than the third round and would likely be the third quarterback taken after Tennessee’s Peyton Manning and Washington State’s Ryan Leaf.

Report: Woodson to turn pro

Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, who helped lead Michigan to the national championship, will announce Friday that he will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft, The Detroit News reported today.

Citing sources close to the program, the newspaper reported that Woodson will make the announcement 11 a.m. Friday during a news conference at Schembechler Hall.

Family and friends would not say what his announcement would be, but his older brother hinted that there was no reason for him to return to Michigan for his senior season.

Green has title, will leave

Ahman Green wanted to leave Nebraska with a national title more than he wanted a Heisman Trophy campaign next fall, so the junior running back made himself eligible for the NFL draft.

“I’m not big on awards and accolades,” Green said. “If I had decided to return, it wouldn’t have been to win the Heisman. It would have been so we could win another national title.”

Green gained 1,877 yards this season, finishing 16 yards behind Ricky Williams of Texas for the national rushing title. Williams is expected to announce his decision to turn pro at a press conference today.

Green rushed for an Orange Bowl record 206 yards in Nebraska’s 42-17 win over Tennessee.

Others who announced Wednesday that they will make themselves eligible for the pro draft include Mo Collins, offensive tackle, Florida; Eric Bateman, offensive tackle, Brigham Young and Brad Jackson, linebacker, Cincinnati.

Rose Bowl will get sponsor

A corporate name will be attached to the Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 1999, ending 84 years of resistance to commercialism.

No deal has been worked out but the sponsor will have second billing with the game referred to as: “The Rose Bowl, presented by X company,” according to Jack French, CEO for the Tournament of Roses.

ABC-TV will pay $19 million to broadcast next year’s game, when it becomes part of the bowl alliance, after paying $4.5 million this year.

“It’s the money,” tournament football committee chairman Harriman Cronk said, explaining the need for sponsors.

Michigan coach honored

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who guided the Wolverines to the national championship, has been selected Division I-A coach of the year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Also honored as the best on their level were Villanova coach Andy Talley for Division I-AA, Northern Colorado coach Joe Glenn for Division II and Mount Union coach Larry Kehres for Division III.

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