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Freeman to return for senior season
Buckeyes' second-leading tackler and Wayne High School grad 'went back and forth' on his decision.
Comment: Did Marcus Freeman make the right choice?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
COLUMBUS — Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman announced Saturday he's coming back for his senior season — and this time he means it.
After saying last week he was staying for one more year, Freeman had a change of heart following the national title game. But after meeting with his parents, coach Jim Tressel and linebackers coach Luke Fickell, the Wayne High School grad said he has no more second thoughts.
Extras
"The big thing is, you can regret leaving early, but you can't regret coming back," he said. "It was a tough decision. I went back and forth. One minute, I was thinking it was time to move on. When I was sitting on the bench after the game, I was saying, 'This is my last one.'
"But you can't beat the atmosphere here. ... I just wasn't ready to move on and start another chapter in my life."
Freeman, the Buckeyes' second-leading tackler, is scheduled to have an MRI done this week to see whether he'll need knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and he might not have been able to work out for NFL scouts much before the draft. But he said that wasn't a factor.
"If I was ready to go, I could have gone with a hurt knee or not," he said.
Freeman joins cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and receiver Brian Robiskie among juniors passing up a shot at the pros. The Buckeyes are still awaiting decisions from left tackle Alex Boone and linebacker James Laurinaitis, who have until Tuesday to enter the draft.
Alex Boone met with his mother Saturday night to discuss his future.
"He'll know for sure by Monday," Amy Boone said.
Laurinaitis, a potential top-10 pick, also was meeting with family Saturday in Columbus. And Freeman said his teammate has been agonizing over his decision.
"I don't know with him," Freeman said. "Sometimes I get the vibe he's coming back and sometimes I get the vibe he's leaving. I'm as anxious to find out as anyone else."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com
Comments
By RLeezy
January 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
JoJo-Will Smith and Will Allen were not seniors in 2003. That was only Doss and Nickey and Wilhelm, etc etc. They were back in 2004 when they played Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl. But I get your point. Its good to have these guys come back for one last shot. Third time is the charm. Just wish Gholston would have stayed as well. It would have been even better but Wilson will be back and Heyward will step in Nice. GO BUCKS!!!!
By cullen
January 14, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
It’s great that he’s staying. Senior leadership on the field is always key to a championship run. This year was a gift (we overachieved and had a soft schedule), next year we look poised to be even stronger. BTW, you might question our coaching but I think the bigger problem is our schedule. We didn’t play enough tough teams/games this year to be ready for LSU’s best shot (whereas LSU had played in 5-6 tough games).
By Ryan
January 14, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding all you guys saying that we need better defensive coaches, we probably have the best defensive coaches in the Nation i mean didn’t one just win assistant coach of the year FOR THE ENTIRE NATION. And we have one of the best defenses year in and year out you’ve got to be kidding me obviously you’ve never played football or any sports for that matter, without great coaches a team is nothing. Without Jim heacock and the rest of the staff OSU would not be the program they are.
By Buckeye in North Carolina
January 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget about Mike Doss returniing for his senior year in 2002 as well!
By JoJo
January 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
The pieces are starting to fall in place….Anyone remember what happened to the Buckeyes when Will Smith and Will Allen decided to come back for their senior season in 2002??????
By BestFriend
January 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Boxter you r a idiot from talkin to Marcus the Nfl actually had him going late First to Second round. Alot of people fell to realize he led the team in Solo tackles with 74, James was in second wit 40 something. If he came out this year they had him the 2nd fastest LB next to ALI HIGHSMITH from LSU. So for u to say he is gonna go in the last round is two things you dont watch sports or your jealous. Personally im happy Marcus is going back so he can get the reconition he deserves.
By larry lendman
January 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
In todays OSU football it’s not about the players it’s about the coaching,especially our defensive coordinater.He got us beat in the last two min.against Young,really killed us at Florida,Couldn’t get off the field for Ill.Now you spot OSU ten points and in no time playing behind the chains and the score.We have the talent to match up with any top five program in the country it’s the defensive coaching that is killing us.We always have the best talent in the big ten.
By Purvis R. Coley
January 14, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Very Good. Back in the day, everyone played 4 years. Our coach needs to hire an excellent defensive coordinator, thats where we need help BIG TIME..GO BUCKS!!
By Dewey
January 14, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
boxter - you obviously don’t know what you are talking about. First of all, the NFL draft is only 7 rounds so there are no 8th or 9th rounds. Second, NFL personnel have Freeman projected anwhere from the 3rd to the 5th round. So he is obviously quite talented and his place of birth isn’t a factor. Apparently you have a jealousy issue. The Buckeyes are lucky to have this kid for another year, and I wish him all the best.
By boxter
January 14, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Where else can he go? He is dmaaged goods and not a NFL player by any means. He can stay another year and maybe go in the 8th 9th round the following year. He may be a special teams player in the NFL, but that’s about it. Only reason it is a big deal here is because he is a local boy. If he didn’t come from Dayton, it wouldn’t even be an issue.
By BRAD
January 14, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
YES! Especially w/ the hurt knee issue’. That would’ve caused him to drop in the draft. He has en excellent chance to move up w/ a great showing next year. And another year towards his degree is HUGE!
By fred f
January 14, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Why wouldn’t he stay? Not sure he would have been drafted in the first few rounds anyway. It’s not a heroic thing to stay another year when going to the NFL was not a sure thing. Good luck to him and I think he’s a class act…but it’s no big sacrifice to stick around another year.
By bill
January 13, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
great! staying in school is never a bad thing. OSU is lucky to get so many get young men that are more than just football players.
By jojomojo
January 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
yes.
By Mark B
January 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Glad to here of the returns. See you all next year in the BCS Championship. OSU by 21
By lucas hill
January 13, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Thank you Marcus for being a loyal BUCKEYE you will not regret it.If James also returns our defense will indeed be formidableif we actually change our looks LSU KNEW WHERE TOO ATTACK US EVERYPLAY BECAUSE WE HAENT CHANGED ANYTHING SINCE 06 THIS IS,NT POP WARNER.Players arent the problem coaches are step up people
By lucas hill
January 13, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Thank you Marcus for being a loyal BUCKEYE you will not regret it.If James also returns our defense will indeed be formidableif we actually change our looks LSU KNEW WHERE TOO ATTACK US EVERYPLAY BECAUSE WE HAENT CHANGED ANYTHING SINCE 06 THIS IS,NT POP WARNER.Players arent the problem coaches are step up people
By juiceman025
January 13, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
yes Marcus did right by coming back. He can only improve his status for next year’s draft.
By G. Hale
January 13, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
regardless of The Animal Jr., Boone just confirmed he is coming back, this team will be tough to beat. LSU won because they had 3 seniors who came back. That is what it takes to win a natl’ title, Seniors and an all world defense….look out USC and Big Ten.
By Dave
January 13, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
It was HIS choice, therefore, it’s the right choice! I’m glad he’s coming back…he’s a class act!
Go Bucks!
By OSU
January 13, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if it was the right decision or not, but I know Homan and Spitler need to get alot of playing time. They are game playmakers.
By osuizzy
January 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
good luck marcus. go bucks !
By Drew
January 13, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Butkus here we come!!
By Drew
January 13, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Butkus here we come!!
By Jason
January 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I think Marcus will be one of the best LB’s in the country next year! With his speed and athleticism, I think he is a QB’s worst nightmare! I see alot of OLB blitzes comingfrom tOSU next year. I hope Heacock devises a plan to utilize his outstanding talents. Best of luck and Godspeed, Marcus (a.k.a. Fright-night) Freeman!
By Tammy
January 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Although I am not an Ohio State fan, I think Marcus made the right decision. He needs all the education he can get, so he has something to fall back on if anything happens. After all, he does have a family to support. I remember Marcus from Wayne, the young man has always had a good head on his shoulders. He definitely made the right choice.
By Jonathan
January 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
It’s his decision, now he has to commit to it and move on. In this instance, I don’t think there was a bad or wrong decision, because both were his.
By Tom
January 13, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
With Malcom coming back. Wilson coming back healthy. Curtis Terry coming back. And hopefully Lauranitas decides to stay. Marcus could be part of one of the best D’s in OSU history. Definite right choice!
By Mike
January 13, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Thank you Marcus for giving your skills to our beloved Buckeyes. Next year will your greatest achievement! Go Bucks.
By David
January 13, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
No Doubt he made the right choice. Maybe he was a 3rd/4th round pick…at best…He made the right call for sure.
By MCZ
January 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
In the end, I think Marcus made the right decision. Good things come to those who wait! Go Bucks and good luck Marcus.
By MCZ
January 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
In the end, I think Marcus made a the right decision. Good things come to those who wait! Go Bucks and good luck Marcus.
By john
January 13, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Definitely…welcome home!