CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The first wave of rookie minicamps concluded last week for a number of teams in the National Football League. This included the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp, attended by Austin Peay State University offensive linemen Joe Ware.
Ware is a dynamic offensive linemen who spent five seasons with Bowling Green football before transferring to Austin Peay.
Ware’s dynamic play begins with his position versatility as a lineman. According to Bowling Green football, Ware spent time at left tackle and left guard during his five seasons with the Falcons.
“Position versatility has played to my advantage,” Ware told Clarksville Now. “I can be placed anywhere on the offensive line and be productive. I never wanted to be viewed as a one-dimensional player, so I equipped myself to play all positions when I am called upon to do so.”
Austin Peay football
During the 2021-22 season with Austin Peay, Ware played every game at right tackle. According to the NCAA, he was part of an offensive line that contributed to the offense being ranked top 50 in total offense, red zone offense, first downs and third down efficiency. In addition, Ware was awarded with second team All-OVC honors for his play this past season.
Prior to the draft, Ware attended University of Tennessee’s pro day to be measured, and to have his agility, speed and strength tested. According to Draft-Scout.com, below is his data and results.
| Results | |
|---|---|
| Height | 6024 |
| Weight | 294 |
| Hand | 10 1/8 |
| Arm | 33 1/8 |
| Wingspan | 80 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 5.31 |
| Vertical Jump | 25 1/2 |
| Broad Jump | 7’08” |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.9 |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.94 |
| 225 Bench Reps | 29 |
“My expectations for mini camp are that I go in there and display my abilities to the fullest extent,” said Ware. “I want to showcase that I can be an important factor for the team and organization. That means I’ll give maximum effort, and come to work with a championship mentality. I am blessed and grateful for an opportunity with a team who has a great culture and great team leaders.”
Ware wasn’t the only Govs player to get NFL attention. Austin Peay cornerback Kordell Jackson got a tryout with the Baltimore Ravens.