Terrelle Pryor’s time at Ohio State has come to an end. OSU students aren’t surprised.
Larry James, Pryor’s attorney, said Pryor will forgo his senior season. Through James, Pryor released a statement on Tuesday to The Lantern.
“In the best interest of my teammates, I’ve made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at the Ohio State University,” Pryor said.
Pryor’s decision comes in the wake of former head coach Jim Tressel’s resignation and multiple reports saying that the NCAA launched an independent investigation of the star athlete for allegedly receiving discounts on vehicles throughout his tenure at OSU.
OSU students weren’t surprised by the news of Pryor’s departure.
“I’m not surprised,” said Andrew Leggett, a first-year in pharmaceutical sciences. “I’ve felt like it was going to happen for awhile.”
Pryor has long been a polarizing figure in the Buckeye community and his departure is no different.
“I feel like it would be better if he stayed,” said Aaron Wendel, a first-year in health sciences, “because he’s not ready for the NFL I don’t think.”
Not everyone agreed.
“I don’t think he was going to be able to play next season anyway,” said Paul Warren, a first-year in Biology. “It’s probably in his best interest (to leave).”
Pryor’s 31-4 record as a starter makes him the second-winningest quarterback in OSU history, trailing only former Buckeye quarterback Art Schlichter. Pryor threw for 6,177 yards and 57 touchdowns while rushing for 2,164 yards and 17 touchdowns.
James said Pryor hasn’t decided what the next step in his career will be. Some have suggested Pryor could enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. Many question whether Pryor’s skills can translate to the next level.
“I don’t think he’s going to do anything (in the NFL),” Leggett said. “I don’t think he’s ready. I don’t think he has the ability to read defenses or make throws. I think he’s done.”
Others think Pryor’s raw athletic ability is too good for NFL teams to turn down.
“I think he can make (the NFL),” Warren said. “I think he’s athletically gifted. If he wants to, he’ll be able to.”
OSU’s next step at quarterback is just as uncertain Pryor’s. Joe Bauserman, Kenny Guiton, and Braxton Miller spent spring practice vying to replace Pryor, who was facing a five-game suspension for selling memorabilia and accepting improper benefits.
Now, in wake of Pryor’s absence, the trio of inexperienced quarterbacks will have to lead the Buckeyes for the entire season.
“I don’t know who the next quarterback will be so it will be interesting to see what happens next year,” said Amy Hoffmeister, a third-year in human development and family science.
