Georgia to lose star DE, No. 2 RB to NFL Draft

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson and backup running back Danny Ware will give up their final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.

Coach Mark Richt announced the players' decision Monday night after meeting with them earlier in the day.

"They both felt that considering all the factors involved, the best decision was to enter the draft this year," Richt said. "In the final analysis, we always want what's best for each player, and in these two cases, both were confident this was the right decision."

Another junior, cornerback Paul Oliver, also is considering whether to enter the draft or return for his final college season. Richt said he would probably meet with Oliver later in the week.

During the regular season, Johnson led the team in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (16.0), passes broken up (nine) and quarterback pressures (27).

In Georgia's 31-24 victory over Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Johnson added two more sacks, three tackles behind the line, broke up a pass and forced a fumble.

Ware started as a freshman for the Bulldogs, rushing for 135 yards and three touchdowns in his college debut. But, slowed by injuries and plagued by fumbling problems, he was passed on the depth chart by Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin.

This season, Ware finished the regular season as Georgia's second-leading rusher with 75 carries for 302 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 184 yards.