default-cbs-image

As it stands, Ohio State is getting a big recruit for 2017 -- and it's someone already on the roster.

Speaking to the Columbus Dispatch on Monday, safety Malik Hooker said he plans to return to Ohio State for another season.

"Right now it's 100 percent sure I'm coming back to Ohio State," Hooker said.

Of course, if we are to parse through Hooker's words, "right now" and "100 percent" are sitting side-by-side, which leaves plenty of room for skepticism. What Hooker believes today in late November might not be how he feels a month or so from now.

No one would blame the third-year sophomore if he eschewed another year in college to be paid for his services, especially after his breakout year. Hooker hauled in six interceptions, which was best in the Big Ten, and returned three for touchdowns. That's an Ohio State season and career record. One of those pick-sixes came in the second quarter of the dramatic 30-27 double-overtime win over Michigan.

The latest mock draft from CBS Sports has Hooker going 15th overall to the Indianapolis Colts, so the possibility of first-round money is there. The philosophy varies by individual, but a rule of thumb is if a player has a first-round grade -- and by no means is a mock draft indicative of that -- then it's time to leave.

On the other hand, Hooker has one year of starting experience after playing behind the likes of Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell. There's plenty of room for him to grow as a player. If he comes back, a mid first-round grade could become a high first-round grade in 2018. It all depends on the feedback he gets and what he feels comfortable doing.

Ultimately, that's what matters: What does he want? It's an exciting time for a player of his caliber to explore those possibilities.

"I'm keeping it in perspective just by being humble," Hooker told the paper. "That's because the same way things are given to you they can be taken away at any given moment."