Early Outs
Vernon Gholston is leaving Ohio State one season early to enter the NFL draft. Third-year junior starting cornerback Malcolm Jenkins has stated he will return. It is said that linebackers James Lauranaitis and Marcus Freeman as well as left tackle Alex Boone are still debating their options. Also, early yesterday leading receiver, junior Brian Robiskie, has stated he will also return for his senior season.
So far so good in my opinion. Gholston’s departure doesn’t worry me as much as some are indicating it should. Lawrence Wilson was allegedly the stud of this line before he went down with a broken leg in the first game. Cameron Heyward and Robert Rose will also step up on the end. I wish Vernon the best of luck.
Jenkins return was going to be paramount to the success of this defense next season as there is some depth issues in the secondary. Jenkins has proven to be one of the nation’s best at corner and his return assures the entire secondary will be back together for another season.
As far as the others … Boone can go. I’d like him to come back and anchor a very young offensive line, however, there is tremendous depth and some of the best OL recruits in the country are heading to Ohio State. If Lauranaitis and Freeman return at linebacker then the Buckeyes will have to be the prohibitive favorites to win the Big Ten. Oddly enough, I think Freeman is leaving and Lauranaitis is staying. Gut feeling is all.
In regards to Michigan … are we seeing a lot of turnover due to Roddy’s arrival. Adrian Arrington is leaving for the NFL, you have to believe Manningham is probably right behind him. Mallett is transfering, forced out in hopes of bringing in super recruit Terrelle Pryor is my guess, and some others have hinted at departing for the NFL.
With the losses of seniors Hart, Henne, and Long as well as these departures what is in store for the Wolverines? Right now it doesn’t look so good … but signing day, February 6th, could change their fortunes quickly.
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