Michael Thomas blossomed into Ohio State's best receiving threat in 2015. Tuesday, the redshirt junior decided to move on from the scarlet and gray.
Thomas, who spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy with Buckeye quarterback Cardale Jones, declared for the 2016 NFL Draft after Ohio State's 44-28 victory against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. The news was first reported by ESPN's Joe Schad and then confirmed shortly thereafter by Thomas on his Twitter account.
I remember I prayed for times like this.... #shhhh #OH pic.twitter.com/bTBx4GYQWb
— Mike Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 5, 2016
Thomas finishes his Buckeye career with more than 1,602 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He led Ohio State with 56 catches for 781 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015.
Thomas becomes the eighth Buckeye underclassman to leave Urban Meyer's program early upon completion of the 2015 season. He joins fellow wide receiver Jalin Marshall, linebacker Darron Lee, safety Tyvis Powell, running back Ezekiel Elliott, quarterback Cardale Jones, defensive end Joey Bosa and corner Eli Apple.
CBSSports.com draft analyst Dane Brugler projects Thomas as a late first-round selection in the draft, which opens April 28 in Chicago.
