By jj

January 13, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

lets think about it where on this the earth can u spend a memory so if they can get the money go for it we all know that the coaches are getting paid well so let those guys go do the same i am for them leaving

By Mike W

January 11, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

It’s not about the degree. It’s about astutely increasing your value on the draft market. Is Marcus Freeman going to be more valuable next year after having a big year? Probably… but let’s not kid ourselves. Some of these kids, like Daequan Cook, have no business being in college. Cook probably left as much as for the $ as it is that he has no interest in further education. Why do you think Maurice Clarett fought the system? He wanted the money now and he didnt want to go to school

By sax

January 11, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Come back for a degree…Lets get real go make the money. Go to school in the spring or summer.How about this they have online classes people! With all them millions there making I’m sure they can afford wireless internet access and a few laptops. If they get injured in college millions might be lost. What degree are any of them football players or athletes going to get to make up for them millions.

By Mike W

January 10, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

If it’s a Dayton kid and he has a chance to make a few $ bucks, they go pro, even if they would make more money next year by staying. Look at Daequan Cook, Marcus Freeman, etc….. let’s get that little money now instead of having a great year and increasing your value the next year. It’s not smart financially or helpful to your school, but a few bucks is a few bucks. Go for that quick cash.

By Mike W

January 10, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

While it’s true people may sound selfish, I’ll ask: Why are nearly all OSU players who are eligible draftees so willing to jump ship? What if Ted Ginn Jr. or Anthony Gonzalez had been on this team? The return of Glen Dorsey keyed LSU’s NC run. Without his return, LSU doesn’t win it. Why can’t OSU’s juniors come back and do the same? It’s not like the NFL won’t be there. The players let themselves down, it wasn’t the coaches or the fans. Why not come back and win a ring? Just seems selfish

By Chris

January 10, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

All of you saying these guys should stay are being completely selfish. Not one of you would stay and get a degree if you could make millions tomorrow. If you say otherwise you are a liar.

One mis-step and the millions could be gone. The best thing for the financial health of these guys is to leave - period.

By Scott

January 10, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Marcus as a former Wayne High School grad, stay in college and get your degree. Yes the money is attractive right now, but football don’t last forever. I’ve seen too many talented players skip out on their senior year of college and go pro, but only lasted a couple of years in the pros because they got injured and couldn’t make it back from that injury and they didn’t have anything to fall back on. Please stay for your senior year, OSU will be back in the BCS Championship game next year.

By lucas hill

January 10, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

It would be a huge mistake for Marcus too come out early. After our performance monday his rating will fall.I understand about his daughter but most of the guys who have left early are not faring well in the NFL the guys who have waited are doing much better.All the teams with much success are teams whose juniors return and because of that they go higher in the draft.Ohio state needs too remember its tradion and put its money where its mouth is we talk WOODY HAYES and dot the I and all that.

By Richard

January 9, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Bob is high, and doesn’t understand how hard winning every week is, even against opponents that aren’t top 25. Tressel is one of the top 5 current coaches and top 15 in history. NFL players are miserable and would give it all back for another shot at college. You can’t put a price on that and guys like kirk barton understand this. would Mike Doss give up his senior (2002) year? i think not. But money is attractive, even if ultimately unsatisfying.

By maurice clarrett

January 9, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

you no like I was gonna go pro but the man put the squezze on me ya no, like i told coach tressel i am the best running back osu has ever had and like you no he said easy boy and i said don’t call me boy and you no i robbed a bank, and you no now i can’t play football i like to play pool in the pen

By Tom

January 9, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I hope none of the juniors or 3rd year sophomores go pro. I think they need their years at college to prepare them for pro football. Additionally, if they are injured during a pro game they need a degree to fall back on. I think that sticking with the team shows solidarity and a maturity. Leaving before you are ready is a sign that you just want money….MONEY is not everything…..loyalty, maturity, and a dedication to a program that helped them grow is priceless. They need to stay and play!

By Bob

January 9, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

If Freeman and any other Buckeye who can go pro doesn’t go - I’d be very suprised. At least until Tressel can get a decent coaching staff put together to give these kids a chance to compete. Ohio State would have lost the championship game even if they had played Georgia, Southern Cal, West Virginia, Oregon or Missouri!! Poor coaching and teams like Youngstown State on the schedule - it’s no wonder Ohio State is a second rate team each year!!!!

By Best Friend

January 9, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Being a Ohio state fan i would love to see Marcus come back, But being one of his Best Friends and i do mean Best friends people have to realize that Marcus has a little girl he has to take care of, Even though Mr and Mrs. Freeman do help its Marcus responsibility to take care of Bria. One thing i know he will do is pray and talk to his family and make the right decision for him and his family.

By NavaireBeauty

January 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Knowing Marcus from church and school he has always been a hard worker and loved helping others. I have faith that he will make the right decision and i know that everyone that has grown up with him since he was a child will back him 100%. Luv ya Marcus!!!

By andy b

January 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

It’s irrevelant what everyone thinks because they are going to do what they feel is “best” for them. Therefore, this discussion is a complete waste of time. I, and I’m sure many others, value all your opinions about as much I like Michigan football.

By G Hale

January 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

jenkins should go, or quit or acknowledge when its go time he is already gone. There is no reason he should have been 2nd team A.A. If her worked as hard as he could and used his he would have been the best that OSU had at corner in a while, and that is a lot of good corners. He never hit the ground Monday night, never got dirty and was never in a postion to be a leader and top corner. He is playing when he says anything. He is gone to the NFL and that is the only reason he chose OSU.

By Michael

January 9, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Ok. The reason you go to college is to get a job in your field. Thier field is the football field. So what most fo you are saying is that them and thier families all need to stay poor at keast one more year so that they get a degree in rec management getting them a job at say $50k a year MAYBE? Versus going to the NFL and getting that plue at least 10 times that in salary plus bonuses? Immediatly? You all are a bunch of selfish, ignorant… Grrrrr…

By Mark

January 9, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

All things being equal, if a player is going to get drafted the first day of the draft, they should go pro. Obviously if they want to stay for a 4th or 5th year, that is there choice. For Jimmy L not to go pro is putting millions of dollars at risk as he will be a top ten pick. That is one wrong move from injury and losing it all. As far as leaving early and turning pro, if the schools want the players to stay for 4 years, they should give 4 year scholarships, not one year annually renewable.

By Jeff

January 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I think Coach Tress has a great attitude about talented members of his team leaving early, but I wonder if his encouragement of it might be a little misplaced? File the paperwork, let the scouts do their thing, and let them know where they stand. But will he share the vision of going to the BCS championship 3 times in a row, and winning it this time? I would throw out all of the stops in trying to get that done, starting with pointing out LSU’s 23 srs, 11 starters!

By N8sMom

January 9, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Ron CALM DOWN!!!! Wasn’t aware that he had his degree being classified as a junior. If he already has his degree, then he should go to the NFL if that is what’s best for him. As a fellow Wayne alumni, I wish him the best in whatever choice he makes.

By Bob540

January 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Marcus has to do what is in his best interests. As a fan, of course I’d like to see him and the others come back. I do wonder why it is that Ohio State appears to lose more players early to the NFL than most other prominent programs. With players leaving high school to enter college early, and then leaving college early for the pros, it seems like Ohio State is just a training ground for the NFL and NBA rather than an educational opportunity.

By Kevin

January 9, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I think Laurinaitis and Freeman should move on. I think there is more speed and talent in their back ups. It is time for a new line backer corp. Thaddeus Gibson, Brian Rolle, Ross Homan, Austin Spitler and Curtis Terry will be ready next year at linebacker. I dont think we will miss little animal and Freeman as much as peple think.

Athough Gholston and Malcolm Jenkins should stay put.

By Steve

January 9, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Lauranitas should stay, study film on how to cover tight ends from linebackers such as Derrick Brooks of Tampa Bay to get himself prepared for the NFL. He has been exposed by the spread offense.

By bc

January 9, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

If he already has his degree, I say go to the NFL. One play can end his football career. Go to the NFL, enjoy it while it’s there. He could last one year, or he could last 10 years. Only time will tell. Best of luck to him.

By Ron

January 9, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

MARCUS FREEMAN ALREADY HAS HIS DEGREE!!! If anyone can remember back to 2004, he graduated from Wayne early and enrolled at OSU in the winter of 2004. Meaning he is 2 quarters ahead. Therefore, instead of normally being done this spring, he is already done (or at least he should be). Yes he has one more year of playing time left, but with a degree and a kid, its kinda obvious that he is leaving. He is a good player and will be missed. However, if he decides to stay, great.

By BUCKEYE FAN

January 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Marcus has already graduated from OSU. If he returns next year he will be a fifth year senior. He has applied for graduate school. He does not owe Ohio State anything. After two knee injurys and a staff infection he was still able to get his degree. Any decision he makes is fine with me.

By Kim

January 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I think he should stay. NFL careers are fickle at best, short-lived at worst - and if you don’t become a star then you are quickly forgotten. You can hardly get a job as a janitor these days without a college degree, so I think he would be smart to stay put. And it certainly does make it difficult for OSU when they can’t hold on to any veteran talent. He wouldn’t have an NFL opportunity if not for college giving him the chance.

By preacher,franklin,ohio

January 9, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

stay,get,your,degree,geter,done,for,jesus,god,bless,you,all.

By Brian

January 9, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

From a purely selfish standpoint, I want all of them to come back. Truthfully though, I couldn’t look anyone in the eye and tell them to turn down a first-round pick by the NFL by returning to college. The degree is always there, and you should take the money while you can. If they get hurt, or have a down year their senior season, all of a sudden you’re looking at a huge difference in money and draft position.

By Wes

January 9, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I love the Buckeyes and would love to see these guys stay. I also wonder how much of a force we would have been with Ginn, Gonzo and Pittman on Monday. That being said, I would have left school early if I could have my current job without getting my degree. Isn’t college meant to prepare you for life? If these guys are considered first round picks, how much more prepared do they need to be? If they don’t cut it, I’m sure tuition money will be the least of their worries after the NFL

By n8smom

January 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I think Marcus should finish college first. Already a shoulder injury that required surgery and now a knee injury that will end up having surgery. These injuries may not have affected his playing, but you never know if the next injury will. Finish school while you are on a scholarship and get your degree. The NFL will be there next year.

By Dale

January 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Another National championship for OSU will be a long time coming if their talented ones keep bailing for the almighty dollar. Is it losers are quiters or quiters are losers? LSU had a couple of tough guys who hung in there rather than pad their wallets a year early and they certainly have arned the respect of their fellow team mates and their rabid fans by experiencing the once-in-the-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a national championship. I say they stay and do the same.

By Dewey

January 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I think all of them should come back. Like AJ Hawk said, you can only be in college once. The money will be there when they graduate. Most of them said they love their college life, stay with it. If you leave and come back, it will not be the same, your college life will change, their will not be the togetherness of the football life. Think of what this team will be next year if everyone comes back. I am a Buckeye living in GA and would love to see you in the BCS Championship again next.

By Dewey

January 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I think all of them should come back. Like AJ Hawk said, you can only be in college once. The money will be there when they graduate. Most of them said they love their college life, stay with it. If you leave and come back, it will not be the same, your college life will change, their will not be the togetherness of the football life. Think of what this team will be next year if everyone comes back. I am a Buckeye living in GA and would love to see you in the BCS Championship again next.

By Dewey

January 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I think all of them should come back. Like AJ Hawk said, you can only be in college once. The money will be there when they graduate. Most of them said they love their college life, stay with it. If you leave and come back, it will not be the same, your college life will change, their will not be the togetherness of the football life. Think of what this team will be next year if everyone comes back. I am a Buckeye living in GA and would love to see you in the BCS Championship again next.

By RLeezy

January 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Being an Alum I of course want all of them to come back and think they should come back. They all could use the extra season to prepare for the NFL just like Mike Doss who came back and Ohio State won it all. But I understand Freeman’s decision, he has a family to think about now. But it would be great to have him back as well. Only time will tell and if we get Pryor as well, Miami here come. Third time is the charm!!!! GO BUCKS!!!!

By your nutz

January 9, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

why would anyone want to come back a play for Ohio State after the last two years performance?? Besides the bucks have ruined their chances of going to the national championship for at least five years. They could go undefeated and still not get the invite. Bad part is they might have ruined it for the rest of the big ten!! Open your eyes the bucks really were not that good this year and the players should take the money and run!!

By Fred E.

January 9, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

I think the Buckeye NFL prospects need to look at the L.S.U. seniors (Doucet and Dorsey)who stayed in college and won the national title.I know the money is a real temptation but college is a once in a lifetime experience! Money or memories you choose!

By Mike

January 9, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I really don’t think any of them should leave. The only one close to ready is Gholston. He, at times disappeared during games too many times. Lauranitas, while being a pretty good run stopper is still chasing tight ends down the Louisiana Interstate. Jenkins, while he has the ability, still seems to be a little slow to react at times and this is a mental thing that another year would help. Boone, like almost all O-linemen, should stick around for four years.

By Hug Fan

January 9, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I think anyone in college who has that much money coming to them should take it. When i was in college to be a teacher if my school had comed to me to offer me a lot of money I would have left too. Why are people in college….to get JOBS….their job is football….take the money and run FAST/Strong/SMART and make MONEY!

By Purvis R. Coley

January 9, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

After these past two seasons, I wouldn’t blame them for going professional. Although I am a FOREVER BUCKEYE fan, something is wrong. If I were in their position of playing in the national championship for two years in a roll and coming out both times with a loss, I’d leave.

By wiseman

January 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

All should return…but the NCAA should make rules that players who have recieved scholarships should have to pay them back in full before being allowed to enter the NFL or any other sport. The pro leagues should support this idea and require it also before being eligible for pro play. Why let millionares screw over a college who are providing free education and who are reaping millions from bowl play, tv etc. All thoses monies are threatened when the stars exit to cash in for theirself.

By Darell

January 9, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I agree all of the non-senior players should come back. I am from Ohio, I love T-H-E Ohio State Buckeyes. I now live in Texas, so you know that I am catching it. I lost my butt again!! My fault! Come back redeem yourselves! I am hearing stuff like ” yall need a thug like Clarrett to win it” STAY,REDEEM

By Adam

January 9, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

I don’t think any of them should leave early…..not like this….not the way everyone is talking bad about them. They all should come back next year to beat up on USC at there place next year. We can shut up a lot of critics (and I mean a lot) by winning on the road next year against USC.

By Adam

January 9, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I don’t think any of them should leave early…..not like this….not the way everyone is talking bad about them. They all should come back next year to beat up on USC at there place next year. We can shut up a lot of critics (and I mean a lot) by winning on the road next year against USC.