Nelson Enters (NFL) Draft: At this time of year, news that a player wants to leave an elite program for the draft is almost cliche. But Connecticut junior Ed Nelson put a twist on his recent declaration — he’s leaving school to join the NFL Draft. The 6-8 forward hopes to make a transition similar to Antonio Gates, a former Kent State forward and current All-Pro San Diego Chargers tight end. Nelson played football in high school, but he has not been on a team in more than six years. [4/17/06]