UNLV’s Ware hopes to hear his name

Steve Guiremand

Friday, April 14, 2000 | 10:32 a.m.

Len Ware has had a tough time sleeping the past few nights.

"I've been tossing and turning," he says. "Then I'll get up and play a few video games."

The second-leading receiver in UNLV history with 161 receptions, Ware is anxiously awaiting to see if his name might be called during this weekend's NFL draft.

According to UNLV head coach John Robinson, both Ware and safety Quincy Sanders are candidates to get drafted.

"They might get picked in the later rounds," Robinson said. "If not, they'll probably sign as free agents somewhere."

Ware, who stopped by to watch the Rebels' spring practice workout at Rebel Park on Thursday afternoon, said he has been in contact with several NFL teams.

"Tampa Bay and Washington called this morning," he said. "So did Cincinnati. Buffalo, Atlanta and New England have also been in contact. They want to verify where I'll be during the draft."

Ware will watch the proceedings from the comfort of his living room in Las Vegas.

"It'll be just me and my roommates watching," he said. "I'm not having any big party or anything. I don't want to have to eat humble pie if everyone is there and I don't get picked."

Ware was asked if he had a hunch about which team might pick him.

"I do," he said with a smile, "but I'm not telling."

* REBEL NOTES: Robinson said that starting offensive tackle Brandon Bair will undergo minor shoulder surgery on Monday and miss the final week of spring ball. "He'll probably be out for a few months," Robinson said. "We expect him back by mid-July." ... Starting cornerback Kevin Thomas hopes to return to practice on Saturday after missing more than a week with a badly bruised foot. Thomas said he dropped a 45-pound weight on the foot. "My big toe is still pretty swollen," he said. ... Backup quarterback Chris Hayward said he has a herniated disc in his back but that the hopes to be back in the fall. "We're putting surgery off," he said. "Hopefully it will get better with rest and rehabilitation. I'm also going to get a steroid injection there. It's been hurting me for a while." ... Following a 4 p.m. workout today, the Rebels will have four more spring pra ctices culminating with a scrimmage on Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at Rebel Park.