GLENDALE, Ariz. — One of Ohio State's best defensive players is coming back next season.
Redshirt sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard plans to return to Columbus in 2017 for another shot at the national title with the Buckeyes. He made the declaration both in the locker room after Ohio State's 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff on Saturday and again on Twitter.
#BuckeyeNation I'm not going anywhere. Time to get to work for next season .. Thank you seniors, it was a pleasure. Love you all
— Samwise (@Sam_Hubbard_) January 1, 2017
Hubbard, like any third-year college player, is eligible to enter the NFL Draft. But the former lacrosse player and Cincinnati native is defiant on returning.
He recorded half a sack, five tackles and one tackle for loss to finish the 2016 season with 3.5 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss after being listed as a co-starter with Jalyn Holmes all year. Hubbard helped fill the void from the departed Joey Bosa and was an essential cog in Larry Johnson's deep defensive front while the Buckeyes went 11-2.
