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As the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft approaches, one of the big names that Ohio State coaches and fans have been waiting to hear from is defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. And today, the Cleveland native confirmed via social media, that he would return to Ohio State for the 2018 season.
My life long dream is to play in the NFL. In order to best achieve this goal, I have decided to forgo my draft eligibility and remain in school. OSU is providing me with a strong and solid foundation which will continue to make achieving my career possible. Go Bucks!
— Dre'Mont Jones (@TheOfficial_80) January 11, 2018
On the heels of H-back/wide receiver Parris Campbell announcing that he too would return to Columbus for another year, the Buckeyes are seeing more of their potentially draftable underclassman return in 2018 than they have in years past.
After a freshman All-America season in 2016, Jones netted 20 total tackles this past year, including five for loss, to bring his two-year career total to nine.
With Sam Hubbard leaving early for the NFL and Tracy Sprinkle, Tyquan Lewis, and Jalyn Holmes exhausting their eligibility, defensive line coach Larry Johnson now knows that he can build the next iteration of the Rushmen around two experienced studs in Jones and Nick Bosa.