MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Jylan Ware grew up like many kids, having a dream to reach the National Football League (NFL).
 
For the 6-foot-8, 295-pound former Alabama State offensive tackle, that dream became a reality on April 29 when the Valley, Ala. native was selected in the seventh round, with pick No. 231, in the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
 
"As a kid, I've always dreamed to play a professional sport," Ware said. "Growing up I played multiple sports and I always wanted to make it in something because I love athletics. I was always that kid that didn't care what I did as long as it was something."
 


Ware, who came from a small town to the Capital City with an opportunity to reach his dream and continued to make his family proud, gained a bit of inspiration along the way from his one-year old son Jayden. However, the path to the NFL wasn't always an easy one. For example he had to change head coaches and a coaching staff in the middle of his career at Alabama State.
 
When he arrived in the Capital City, Ware spent the first two years of his collegiate career playing for Reggie Barlow and the last two years under Brian Jenkins.
 
"Coach Barlow was more laid back," Ware said about the coaching styles. "Coach Jenkins was all about the technique and more about the technical side of things. But it was something that was well needed because it was different and I felt that getting two sides helped me get to the NFL."
 
While attending Alabama State, Ware not only learned about the offensive schemes, but also about interacting with students and staff on campus.
 
"Alabama State helped me more as a person than it did as a football player," Ware said.
 
Ware, who appeared in all 11 games and started in 10 on the offensive line last season, was a three-year starter for the Hornets and was the first Alabama State player to hear his named called during draft day since Michael Coe in 2007 (fifth round – Indianapolis Colts). Not only was he the first player from Alabama State to be called on draft day in 10 years, but it had been 32 years since the Hornets had a player selected in the seventh round and was also the first offensive lineman to be taken in school history.
 
With Ware having to experience a change in coaches, he would now have to prepare for a change of culture and competition.
 
"The competition level is a big difference because you know everyone in the NFL is good," Ware said. "There is the best of the best. When you put all those people in one place there is really no choice but to bring your game every single day, because it really is a job. Nobody takes anything lightly, or for granted because it is a job."
 
Oakland was a big transition for the Valley, Ala. native. While Ware didn't have to attend classes, he was still required to learn the playbook. Not only was learning a new system a transition, but the city of Oakland has 381,000 more people than his hometown.
 
"You do football all day, every day," Ware said. "There is no class, hang out time. It is strictly football all the time. And with it being a big time city, there is a lot to do, but the coaches have us learning so much and there really isn't time to do anything else."
 
One of the biggest advantages of participating in the NFL Rookie camp is learning from those veteran players who have been around the league.
 
"I can learn a lot from the veterans," Ware said. "The left tackle, Donald Penn, is in his 12th season and he's one of those guys who knows every trick in the game and knows what to do. He is one of those guys who are willing to pass that knowledge on to the rookies."
 
Although Ware was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, he graduated from Alabama State with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services and plans to go to graduate school once his playing days are complete.
 
"I want to go back and be a physical therapist or an occupational therapist after I leave the NFL," Ware said.
 
Before Ware can think of any plans for after life in the NFL, he wants to focus his attention on making the team. Despite going to a small school, Ware believes no matter the size of the school, talent will always be the measure of success when trying to reach the pinnacle of their dreams.
 
"There is no reason why small school guys shouldn't get to the NFL," Ware said. "As for me, I want to be the one guy that shows that not only did I make it, I got drafted. I went to Alabama State, a small school, but always got national attention. The NFL will always find talent and it shouldn't matter whether you go to a big school or a small school."
 
The Oakland Raiders open up the preseason schedule on August 12 at the Arizona Cardinals. The regular season begins on September 10 with a trip to Tennessee to face the Titans.
 
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