Defensive end Jalyn Holmes to return to Ohio State for senior season

Despite a second annual exodus of top-line talent from Columbus, Ohio to the NFL, on Wednesday night, All-Big Ten defensive end Jalyn Holmes announced on his Instagram that he would be returning to the Horseshoe for his senior season.

The Norfolk, VA native finished the 2016 season with 33 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, good for third on the team. Following the departures of defensive stalwarts Gareon Conley, Raekwon McMillan, and Malik Hooker, Holmes will likely be looked upon to provide consistency and leadership to a defense that will again be infused with an influx of young players.

With Luke Fickell now at the University of Cincinnati, NFL coaching vets Greg Schiano and Bill Davis will likely lean on Holmes as they prepare him for the next level.