From third-string quarterback to leader of the Cinderella national champions, Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones enjoyed one of the most meteoric rises in popularity in college football history.
But Thursday, Jones announced his decision to return to Ohio State and put his NFL dreams on hold despite being projected by most draft experts to be selected between the second and fifth rounds.
Common sense would say any player who has only three career starts, regardless of his success, should stay in college, but there is no argument for a player to stay in school in today’s NCAA.
Jones’ draft stock likely will never be higher than it is today, especially with the embarrassment of riches the Buckeyes have at quarterback. But his stock probably wasn’t the biggest factor in his decision.
As a mobile quarterback, Jones also is susceptible to a bevy of injuries, more than just about any other player.
LSU has dealt with the early declaration issue in each of the last three seasons — a total of 20 players have left Baton Rouge early. This season, linebacker Kwon Alexander, cornerback Jalen Collins and defensive end Danielle Hunter declared for the NFL Draft with at least a year of eligibility still left.
Offensive linemen Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins and safety Jalen Mills are expected to announce their decision soon. But if a player is even on the NFL radar at all, I see no reason for him to come back unless he is in a comfortable financial situation.
Between class and practice, most collegiate athletes, especially football players, don’t have time for jobs. So turning down the hundreds of thousands of dollars that come along with being drafted doesn’t make sense.
The biggest argument against taking the money is the loss of education, but there is nothing stopping a player from returning to school in the off-season to finish his degree.
Just more than one year ago, former LSU running back Alfred Blue announced his choice to forgo his final season and go to the NFL. The decision was met with criticism from fans after he played second fiddle to Jeremy Hill in LSU’s backfield during his first season since returning from a knee injury that ended his junior year in 2012.
From the outside, it looked like Blue needed an extra season in college to improve his stock and make him a more polished runner as a potential feature back. But there also was the risk of injuring his knee again and ruining any opportunity at making it in the pros.
He decided to take his chances with the draft, and the Houston Texans scooped up Blue in the sixth round. He looked poised for a practice squad role behind Pro-Bowl caliber running back Arian Foster and other experienced runners.
During fall camp, he climbed his way onto the active roster. In week one of the regular season, he blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. By week 11, Blue was the featured running back for the Texans while Foster was injured, carrying the ball 36 times for 156 yards.
Blue is poised for at least a share of the backup role to Foster heading into the 2015 regular season. He is currently signed to a four-year contract that will pay him an average of $555,000 per year on average before bonuses. That’s money he couldn’t have made at LSU.
For those who argue Blue should have stayed and finished his education, Blue was back on campus yesterday taking classes.
He’s getting his degree while getting paid.
Until the NCAA begins compensating players, there’s no reason for a football player to stay in school if he knows he has a solid chance at getting drafted and making the money he deserves.
You can reach him on Twitter @Pellerin_TDR.