Bess is going to the NFL

About declaring for the draft and ending his Warrior career, Bess said:
"It wasn't an easy decision. I'm close to graduating. And the people of Hawai'i have been great. I'll always have a place in my heart for Hawai'i. It'll always be my second home." (HA)

"This is an opportunity I felt I couldn't pass up. It's been a dream of mine to play in the National Football League and I've worked hard these past three years to get to this point." (HSB)

"It was a thrill to be a part of something special this past season and I'll remember what this team accomplished for the rest of my life." (HSB)

Bess said that several factors led him to decide:
"it was time." (HA)

HA Note: "A three-member evaluation committee predicted that Bess has the football skills to be selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft in April. Players considering early entry to the NFL may seek an evaluation from a committee of pro-personnel officials."

About his decision process, Bess said:
"I talked it over with my family. You just can't pass up an opportunity like that. I've been blessed to have three good seasons at Hawai'i, and to be consistent in my stats. I'm ready to start a new phase in my life, to take on the next challenge." (HA)

About being grateful to Hawaii, Bess said:
"I'm always going to be grateful to the fans and the state. Hawai'i gave me a second chance. If it wasn't for the state accepting me, I wouldn't be in this situation. I give them all of the credit in the world." (HA)

Bess' agent Kenny Zuckerman said that the 2nd-round grade is:
"an estimate based on football talent."

"Once he got the second-round grade he was really excited to move forward. But it was still a tough decision for him because of the support and the chance he got in Hawaii and his love for the people there." (HSB)

HA Note: "Zuckerman said Bess' actual draft status will be determined by the number of underclassmen and receivers who are eligible for the draft, and Bess' performance in combines, pre-draft workouts and interviews."

About how those other factors will determine where Bess is drafted, Zuckerman said:
"You have to put all of that in a pot with the second-round grade." (HA)

HA Note: "A second-round draft pick can command a four-year contract and bonuses worth about $3 million."

Stating that money is not the most important part of his decision, Bess said:
"It's not one of the important things. Of course, I want to take care of my family. But I made my decision on the grade, being injury free, and wanting to start a new phase in my life." (HA)

HA Note: "Zuckerman said Bess will train at Priority Sports and Entertainment's performance facility in Arizona."

About how his second-round rating overcomes the criticism of UH's system, Bess said:
"I've seen how a lot of people knocked Colt (Brennan) for being a 'system quarterback.' They felt the same way with all of the receivers. I'm glad they paid attention to how we get open when plays break down or how we turn 5-yard outs into 50-yard gains. They canceled out the 'system receiver' thing." (HA)

About how slotbacks and quick receivers are now popular in the NFL, Zuckerman said:
"Every year there's something that becomes in vogue. Look at Welker, Brandon Stokely, Anthony Gonzalez. Look at the Patriots, Colts and Broncos. (Bess) can play outside as well. He's been compared to Steve Smith. Similar build guy and so explosive. He's exactly what the league's looking for at receiver. With him being healthy, Hawaii having a phenomenal year and the possibility of June (coach Jones) leaving, the time is right. The only reason to come back is the people and his teammates. He accomplished so much on the field." (HSB)