Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier could likely be a first round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but one of the Big Ten’s top defensive players could be thinking about returning to the Buckeyes in 2014.
While meeting with the media on Friday, Shazier was asked about his plans for 2014 and whether or not he will be turning pro after Ohio State’s Orange Bowl against Clemson.
“Right now I’m dead flat in the middle,” Shazier said according to The Lantern. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. If I would say anything I would probably be leaning towards staying.”
If he does stay, that would obviously be a big boost for Ohio State’s 2014 outlook. the Buckeyes were suspect at times on defense but having one fo the conference’s top defensive players back for another year would certainly provide a bit of stability with an anchor on one side of the defense. Shazier led Ohio State with 135 tackles this season.
“This season’s really not playing much of a role in me coming back. It’s just the outcome of whether the coaches and everybody say that’s what’s best for me and my family, what’s best for us,” Shazier said. “I’m just going to look at the evaluations and whatever we just feel is the best decision … how much school I have left, what is the best circumstance. I’m just going to look at everything and how that plays out then make my decision.”