Cardale Jones is returning to Ohio State.
The Buckeyes quarterback who stormed onto the scene following an injury to starter J.T. Barrett -- who himself originally replaced Braxton Miller -- surprised many people with his decision, announcing on Thursday during a press conference at his high school that he'd be returning to Ohio State.
“The NFL has always been my goal and dream," Jones said. "It’s literally right there in front of me, but I also have a goal to graduate. I dedicated to myself and teammates and coaching staff to be the best student-athlete I can be and to graduate. I want to make sure I meet all my goals.”
It's an interesting decision for Jones, and an understandable one.
He only played in three games for Ohio State but those three games were victories over Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon in the Big Ten Championship, Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff National Championship, respectively.
In those three games, he showed off both his arm and ability to run (and run over defenders), a couple of traits that would no doubt have NFL teams interested in his potential on the next level. That is why it's somewhat of a surprise that he's chosen to return, but Jones said Thursday he values his education more than his NFL Draft status.
"Being a first-round draft pick means nothing to me without my education," said Jones.
According to Sports Illustrated, Urban Meyer and two assistant coaches met with Jones on Thursday in Cleveland, encouraging him to remain in school.
Jones told SI that he wants to be the first person in his family to graduate from college. "It will open up the floodgates for younger relatives to see that as possible,” he said.
Meyer gave Jones no assurances that he will start for the Buckeyes next season. He will compete with Miller and Barrett for the starting job, though most believe Miller will transfer away from Ohio State this offseason.
