Top NFL draft prospects almost always cite family considerations as the overwhelming factor in deciding whether to enter the draft as underclassmen. But in Joey Bosa's case, those considerations are decidedly different than most.
Ohio State's star defensive end, a junior and one of the nation's elite prospects, said that he has all but decided to apply for entry into the 2016 NFL Draft as an underclassman, save one reason to stay.
"The only possible thing that would keep me here is playing with [my brother] Nick. ...We'll see when the time comes," Bosa said on Monday, per Tim Shoemaker of the Ohio State-centric website Eleven Warriors.
Nick Bosa is a five-star recruit from Florida high school football powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, where Joey Bosa played as well, and has committed to the Buckeyes. Nick Bosa plays the same position as his brother (defensive end) and despite a knee injury that has ended his senior season at Aquinas, he's set to sign with the Buckeyes in February.
The older Bosa has been one of the top players in college football since his freshman year in 2013, when he recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He's drawn high praise from NFL scouts this season, despite having just four sacks.
If playing with his brother is the only thing that could compel Bosa to stay at OSU, it's fair to assume Bosa has no misgivings about whether he is ready for the challenges of a pro career, and there's no denying his talent. Bosa has until a Jan. 18 deadline to apply for early NFL draft entry, about two weeks before Nick will sign a letter-of-intent to play for the Buckeyes.
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