Puppy mill raid
Arnold convicted of killing baby
McCain's visit to Miami Valley
Jenkins stays at OSU, Gholston picks NFL
Robiskie also coming back to Buckeyes; OSU awaits word on three other key players.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
> Do you think Gholston made the right choice?
COLUMBUS — All-American defensive back Malcolm Jenkins is staying at Ohio State for his senior year, while defensive end Vernon Gholston has decided to turn pro, the school announced Friday.
Jenkins, who led the Buckeyes with four interceptions, was projected to be a first-round NFL draft choice, but he said he has some unfinished business at OSU.
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"I don't feel that I've accomplished everything I can accomplish in college football, and there's still a lot for me to conquer and shoot for — the national championship, another Big Ten championship, the Thorpe Award. And I really look forward to the honors and perks associated with being a senior on this team," he said.
"We have a great schedule next year, which should be a whole lot of fun. I'm on track to graduate next spring in communications, which will make my mom very happy."
Gholston, a fourth-year junior, was named Big Ten defensive lineman of the year and set a school record for sacks in a season with 14.
"It is with profound emotion, yet great anticipation, that I announce my decision to forgo my senior year," Gholston said. "I reached this conclusion through strategic meditation with my close family, coaches and teammates. The decision to enter the 2008 NFL draft will best serve our interests and future.
"As a son, and as a man, it is my duty to serve and support my family to the best of my abilities. My childhood dream was, and still is, to one day be fortunate enough to do just that. I feel that time has come."
Jenkins, a true junior, was determined to conclude his career with the rest of the players from the 2005 class.
"We came in together and always planned on leaving at the same time," he said. "I'm just having fun right now, and there are some things you can't put a price on. I'm not sure I want to turn football into a career just yet."
Receiver Brian Robiskie, a true junior who led the Buckeyes with 55 catches for 935 yards and 11 TDs, also announced he'll return to OSU.
The Buckeyes are still awaiting decisions from linebacker James Laurinaitis and left tackle Alex Boone, a pair of true juniors, and from fourth-year junior linebacker Marcus Freeman. Underclassmen must declare for the draft by Tuesday.
Comments
By J Tallman
January 25, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
I think vern made the right decision for himself. He had his own reasons. I hate to see him go. On the other hand, I respect the guys returning for their senior year a heck of alot more. I think it takes a really mature and unselfish man to decline an instant big payroll check like they would get in the NFL. But they know that an education is important to, not just making millions. I would not of wanted to be in their shoes though while they were trying to decide whether to stay or go.Go Bucks!!
By mike
January 13, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
Gholston did make the correct choice. I believe during the combine, he will put up nasty numbers which will turn him into a top 8 pick. He can reportedly squat 450lbs 20 times. That is freakish. He had a very good year at OSU this year and will continue using his mix of speed and strength to be successful. Great decision and best of luck.
By BRAD
January 12, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Yeah, as much as I hate to say it, he made the right move.All these mock drafts had him, Jenkins, & lil animal going in the top 15. Topp 15, you should go. Glad Jenkins did’n’t though.
By Jim Flynn
January 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Kirk Barton said it best when he said “I know alot of people playing in the NFL right now, I don’t know many that are having fun”. Playing in the NFL is a job plain and simple. Still, you can’t blame one for taking the guaranteed millions. Good luck Vern, wish you the best, wish you had stayed.
By mrbigshot
January 12, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Gholston is a 4th year junior so his course work may be enough to graduate with a degree already.
I don’t think you can blame someone for leaving school early to make millions of dollars. Gholston is projected as a top 15 pick and will get a lot of guaranteed money.
The kids you feel “bad” for are the ones that are misled about where they will be drafted.
By joe
January 12, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I tip my hat to Malcolm Jenkins and Brian Robiskie. The lure of a big paycheck has to be difficult to resist, but like Malcolm said, he is having the time of his life and knows he will never get the opportunity back for a senior season. As for Gholston, I respect his decision as he appears to be ready for the next level and is ready for that challenge. I wish them all the very best and that none of them end up regretting this very difficult decision.
By Buckeyefan
January 12, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
You cant blame these kids for turning pro,what would you do with the ability that they have and the possibility to to make that much money. I am a die hard Buckeye fan,I wish they would stay,but the NFL is their dream,who are we to tell them to wait on ther dream. I wish them all the best of luck.
By Scott
January 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I think one thing people need to understand is that scholarships are renewable each year by the school. So just as they have the option to pull a scholarship, players have the option to leave.
By Scott
January 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I think one thing people need to understand is that scholarships are renewable each year by the school. So just as they have the option to pull a scholarship, players have the option to leave.
By kurt
January 12, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
We ought to recognize college for what it is-a farm club for the NFL,with the NFL making No INVESTMENT.When players leave a STATE university to go pro early,the signing team should be mandated to pay the scholarship money back,and that scholarship would then become an ACADEMIC one for 2 years.This would keep the pros/colleges a little more honest about the situation.Who knows—it might even enhance the idea of the “student-athlete”.The pros have had their tentacles into the colleges for too long
By Matt2517
January 12, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
If Gholston is a first round pick then he made the right call, the amount of money that he will get from his first contract will set him for life
By brunnegd
January 11, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
No, wrong decision. All NFL and NBA players who quit school to turn pro promise to return to school to graduate. Few do. And very few manage to make a real living from pro ball. Few understand how much money they need to save, or what level of education they should have after sports. The money, and perhaps even more money, will be there next year. As good as he was this year, he has a chance to win major awards, and further enhance his draft status by staying in school one more year.