The Ohio State Buckeyes got some good news and some bad news Friday. Standout defensive end Vernon Gholston declared for the NFL Draft with one season remaining, but superstar-in-waiting cornerback Malcolm Jenkins decided to hold off and return for his senior season, as did wideout Brian Robiskie.
Gholston’s decision was no surprise for most scouts and fans as his talent was self evident and he appeared to be more than ready to hunt down professional level quarterbacks on Sundays. Gholston played very well in the Buckeyes regular season finale against Michigan, even getting a sack against vaunted offensive tackle Jake Long. Gholston also led the team in sacks with 14 as well as tackles for loss with 15.5. He will leave the defensive line group in very capable hands with sophomores Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larrimore just starting to come into their own.
While I’m not sure about Jenkins’ reasoning, when it comes to Robiskie, fact is that he wouldn’t have been a high enough pick to warrant coming out and with his dad, Terry Robiskie established in the NFL coaching ranks, he likely had an abundance of feedback that helped him make his decision. Jenkins decision, on the other hand is a little more curious. The junior cornerback had scouts raving about his ability and he was slated to go in the first round in most mock drafts (often to the dynastic Patriots) Jenkins will now likely see his stock climb even further this season if he can avoid injury.
The Buckeyes now must await word from offensive tackle Alex Boone, and linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman in regards to their draft decisions. If two or three of those players choose to rejoin Robiskie and Jenkins in Columbus for 2008, you can write the Buckeyes name in ink in most voters’ preseason top 25 rankings. Even if all declare for the draft, this team looks primed (much to your dismay) to make a run at another National Championship. Coach Jim Tressel has a solid squad returning, especially with running back Beanie Wells and QB Todd Boeckman continuing to develop and young stars like the sophomore defensive end Heyward and junior wideout Ray Small ready to explode onto the national scene.
Despite the negative publicity the Buckeyes are suffering from right now after back-to-back national title losses, the fact is that they are more than qualified to win the Big Ten again and challenge for yet another BCS berth. Now, if only they could get by USC in California on September 15th.Labels: Brian Robiskie, Cameron Heyward, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State, Vernon Gholston |
