For the second year in a row, an Ohio State player who nearly left the Buckeyes after four years chose to stay in Columbus for one more year and reaped the rewards as an NFL draft prospect.
Two years ago, that was Terry McLaurin, who had thoughts about entering the 2018 NFL draft – even though he was only projected to be a late-round pick, if he was to be drafted at all – but chose to stay at Ohio State for his fifth-year senior season. That decision paid off handsomely. McLaurin had his best season as a Buckeye by far, was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft and made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Washington Redskins, leading the team with 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns.