For the second time in as many years, Ohio State faces an exodus of talent. Just one year after nine of its underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft, six more followed suit after the 2016 season. Just one year after 75 percent of its secondary left and made NFL rosters, three more ballhawks are getting first-round grades. Just one year after 12 former Buckeyes heard their names called on draft night, nine more are hoping for the same.
As quickly as talent flows out of Columbus, it flows in. The Buckeyes sent an absurd amount of talent to the NFL and they're replacing it with an unimaginable arsenal of young guns. Ohio State currently has more five-star commitments in its 2017 class than all of Urban Meyer's previous Buckeye classes combined. Of the team's 19 total commits, 14 are ranked in the top five of their position group and 18 are in the top 20.
“I'M COMING BACK FOR MY SENIOR YEAR”– J.T. Barrett
How Ohio State's performed on the recruiting trail, on the field and on draft night would be difficult to accomplish in a video game, but here it is happening in real life.
Lost in all this absurdity is a special, rare group of players – players who decided the NFL dreams can wait, who are discontent with a 31-point shutout loss and have something more to prove.
Six players decided to leave early and will likely be rewarded with spots on an NFL roster and lucrative contracts – that's all remarkable, and should be celebrated. But perhaps the larger story for the Buckeyes is the group who could have done the same, but didn't.
"I am hungry for more"– Tyquan Lewis
Quite frankly, Tyquan Lewis had no business returning to school. The standout defensive end has already been in Columbus four years, won a national title, been named the Big Ten's Defensive Lineman of the Year honors and earned his degree. Still, Ohio State's leader in sacks and tackles for a loss will be back in 2017, again wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines, quarterbacks and running backs.
Joining him are two other defensive ends – Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Homes. While not as decorated or praised as Lewis, the pair are undoubtedly difficult to block and seem to have bright NFL futures ahead of them. Those futures will have to wait, however, as all members of the famed Rushmen package will be back in 2017, ready to "party to the quarterback."
“I’m not going anywhere”– Sam Hubbard
On the other end of the line are a pair of offensive linemen following in team captain Pat Elflein's footsteps. Jamarco Jones and Billy Price both could have made the jump to the NFL, but neither did. Jones will look to follow a season where he quietly became one of the team's top players with a one where he's the anchor of a young unit. Meanwhile, Price will take over Elflein's center duties and will be looked to as a captain and a leader.
Lining up not far from the slobs will be Marcus Baugh, the team's top returning pass-catcher. Baugh had more receptions in 2016 than any Ohio State tight end ever had in a season since Meyer's arrival. With Kevin Wilson running the offense and coaching the tight ends, Baugh's role will likely expand even further in 2017.
“lol I’m staying”– Marcus Baugh
Last but certainly not least, the Buckeyes return their captain and leader – quarterback J.T. Barrett. Despite the grumblings of some fans, Barrett is a three year starter, owns 21 different records and has a 26-4 record as a starter. He will be the starting quarterback next year, and Ohio State is lucky to have him back, as a player and a leader.
As exciting as the incoming freshman class is, these players will be the backbone of the team in 2017 – not the Tate Martells, the Jeffery Okudahs or the Chase Youngs. And Buckeye fans would be best served to enjoy them when the season kicks off next fall, because they could have been watching them play on Sundays instead.
