GLENDALE, Ariz. — Urban Meyer's Ohio State program is littered with talent, which showed its true self in Friday's 44-28 victory against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
The problem with having so much talent, however, is the NFL is an attractive moneymaking entity that isn't too far away. For a team set to graduate 18 players as part of an illustrious senior class, nearly half that number could elect to forgo their final years of eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
However, a few of them chose to keep those decisions quiet after the win against the Fighting Irish New Year's Day.
"I’m gonna weigh my options with my family, talk it over with them and look forward to making that decision," said redshirt sophomore linebacker Darron Lee, who had seven tackles. "I don't have a timetable set."
Leading wide receiver Michael Thomas, who caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown Friday, echoed Lee.
"I don't really know what the future holds," Thomas said. "I haven't made a decision yet."
Wide receiver Jalin Marshall, who also a redshirt sophomore, said something similar.
"I've thought about it, but I haven't made a decision," Marshall said. "I'm happy where I'm at and I'll sit down with my coaches and go from there."
All-American junior safety Vonn Bell said "no comment" when asked about his future, while redshirt sophomore Eli Apple said he also plans to talk it over with his family. Apple, the game's defensive most valuable player, said he envisions big things for Meyer's program.
"It's just a blessing to be a part of this team, part of this great university. I mean, it will bring a tear to my eye thinking about everything I've been through, everything we've been through as a team," Apple said. "Just got to keep it going and I see great things in the future for us."
Three players who have already announced their intentions to turn pro are running back Ezekiel Elliott, defensive end Joey Bosa and quarterback Cardale Jones. A college football player need only be three years removed from high school to enter the NFL Draft.
The deadline for early entrant paperwork to be filed with the league is Jan. 15.
