Ohio State senior linebacker Chris Worley (35) returns to the line of scrimmage after breaking up a pass in the third quarter of the 2017 Cotton Bowl against University of Southern California on Dec. 29 in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Ohio State won 24-7. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Photo Editor
Former Buckeye linebacker Chris Worley signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent, Ohio State announced Saturday evening.
Worley is one of three former Buckeyes to join the Bengals, who drafted center Billy Price in the first round and defensive end Sam Hubbard in the third round.
Playing in 50 career games, Worley recorded 154 tackles in his Ohio State career. He had 24 career starts and has starting experience at all three linebacker positions.
During his junior season, Worley started on the outside, recording 70 tackles, with 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception, earning him honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Last season, Worley initially moved inside to take over the middle linebacker spot when Raekwon McMillan was drafted. But he missed three games due to a foot injury and started at least one game at all three linebacker positions. He was fifth on the team with 56 tackles and had four quarterback hurries.
The former Buckeye participated in the 2018 NFL Combine, running a 4.86 40-yard dash with 15 bench press reps and a 29.5-inch vertical jump, all near the bottom of the linebacker group.
