Tyvis Powell joined Vonn Bell to form one of the more formidable Ohio State safety pairs in recent memory. Together, the two were part of 26 wins in 28 starts.
Sunday morning, one half of the dynamic duo decided all those victories, a Big Ten, national and Fiesta Bowl championships were enough for their college career. Powell announced he will forgo his final year of eligibility in Columbus.
Powell posted his decision on Twitter.
It's been a pleasure... pic.twitter.com/Upgu5LhI01
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 3, 2016
Powell committed to Ohio State shortly after the man who offered a scholarship from, Jim Tressel, resigned amid pressure stemming from the Tattoo-gate scandal the rocked the program. He leaves the program after playing for three seasons under Urban Meyer (he redshirted in 2012), earning his degree last year.
Powell finished fourth on the team in tackles during the team national championship run in 2014 (76 total stops) and third in 2015 (71). He was also a 2015 Ohio State team captain.
All told, Powell tallied 197 tackles, nine passes broken up and eight interceptions in his career. His interception of Alabama quarterback Blake Sims as time expired sealed Ohio State's 42-35 victory over the Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl last season.
In his final act as a Buckeye, Powell recorded five tackles and an interception in his team's 44-28 win against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl New Year's Day.
Powell is the fifth Buckeye to leave following the 2015 season. He joins defensive end Joey Bosa, quarterback Cardale Jones, running back Ezekiel Elliott and linebacker Darron Lee.
The 2016 NFL Draft kicks off April 28 in Chicago.
