Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa has made a decision on whether to apply for early eligibility into the 2016 NFL Draft, but he's going to carry the suspense a little longer. The Buckeyes' star junior said Monday he will announce his future plans following OSU's Fiesta Bowl game against Notre Dame on New Year's Day.
"Everything's in place, so I'm not really worrying about anything. Everything's taken care of. Everything's all good. All I've got to worry about is playing football and worry about this team and this game," Bosa told The Columbus Dispatch.
Thanks to Bosa himself, his inclination to enter the draft as an underclassman is a poorly kept secret. He's already said that the chance to play with his younger brother, Nick, who will be an OSU freshman in the fall of 2016, would be the only factor that could tether him to another season with the Buckeyes. As well, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported earlier this month that Bosa was preparing to enter the draft and that his family was meeting with potential agents.
Although Bosa had just five sacks as a junior, he made a major impact on an outstanding OSU defense with 16 tackles for loss. Opposing teams frequently double-teamed or ran plays away from the third-year starter. At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, he is known for his hustle even on plays run to the opposite side, has an explosive first step as a pass rusher and plays the run effectively.
Other Ohio State underclassmen considering early draft entry include wide receiver Michael Thomas, safety Vonn Bell, quarterback Cardale Jones and linebacker Darron Lee. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has already said he intends to apply for 2016 draft eligibility.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.