For just the second time since underclassmen became eligible for the National Football League draft, the Ohio State football team will lose only its graduating seniors to the professional ranks.
As the deadline for early entrants neared yesterday, both wide receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive tackle Will Smith publicly said they will be returning for their senior seasons. Last week, defensive end Darrion Scott said he would also return to the Buckeyes.
“I considered my option,” Jenkins said in a statement released by the university. “I gave a little thought about leaving, but I never seriously considered it.”
Jenkins led the Buckeyes with 61 catches for 1,076 yards. He also had six touchdowns in 14 games.
Later in the season, Jenkins became known for his big-play ability after long touchdown receptions at both Purdue and Illinois. Against the Boilermakers, he caught a 37-yard game-winning pass with 1:36 remaining in the fourth quarter. In the Fiesta Bowl win, Jenkins kept the Buckeyes first-overtime drive alive when he hauled in a 17-yard pass from quarterback Craig Krenzel on fourth-and-14.
Smith and Scott anchored the Buckeyes’ defense line, which will only lose Kenny Peterson to graduation. Smith set the tone in the Fiesta Bowl when he sacked Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey on the game’s first play. He, along with Jenkins, were second-team All-Big Ten selections.
“I want to graduate next year and play for the chance to win another national championship,” Smith said.
Smith also drew encouragement from an outside source.
“My grandmother always emphasized graduating from college,” he said. “While I could have done that had I chose to leave early, I think it would be great to accomplish that in four years and put that part of my life behind me.”
Scott did not wait until the deadline to make his decision. More than a week ago, Scott released a statement through OSU Sports Information Director Steve Snapp saying that he would be staying.
“Darrion Scott told me he’s definitely coming back next year,” Snapp said. “He’s getting a lot of calls, and he just wanted to end all that speculation.”
