Donovan Warren leaning 'heavily' towards turning pro

Warren, a third-year junior who led Michigan with 4 interceptions this year, has filed paperwork to ask the NFL's underclass advisory committee for his draft status.

He said Thursday their input will play into his decision, but turning pro is "just something that I believe it's just for me."

"I'm definitely, I'd have to say heavily, I like the chances of me coming out," Warren said at Michigan's annual football bust.

Warren said he planned to make a decision “within 2 weeks or so,” likely before the advisory committee reports back on his draft status.

An NFL scout told AnnArbor.com earlier this fall that Warren projected as a middle-round pick.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he talked with Warren about his decision Thursday and will continue to advise him throughout the process.

“For selfish reasons any coach would” want to keep him around, Rodriguez said. “But if a guy’s a first-rounder and he has that kind of opportunity than you certainly understand it. Beyond being a first-rounder or a high second-round pick I think they’re always better served finishing their degree and playing their fourth year.”

Warren was Michigan’s only reliable cornerback during last year’s 5-7 season despite playing with lingering ankle pain.

He said he went through a battery of tests recently to identify the problem.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to need or anything like that, but I just know I have to get it taken care of,” he said.