Cardale made his announcement around 4:30pm EST, “After talking it over with my family, friends and coaching staff, Im going to return next year for school.” announced Jones.
The floor then opened up for questions and it didn’t take long for one about the NFL Draft to be asked. When a reporter emphasized the fact that Cardale could have gone as high a first round pick in this years upcoming draft, Jones all but shrugged off the notion.
“Football’s always been a stepping stone for my education. So, being a first-round draft pick means nothing to me without my education,” said Jones in response.
A humbling move by a quarterback that was realistically looking to go no later than the middle 3rd round of this years upcoming draft. Comparable to last years draft, Virginia Tech’s QB Logan Thomas was taken in the 4th round by the Arizona Cardinals and is set to make $2.6 million dollars over the next four years to include this season.
Its a decision that comes after full input was taken and received by his family, friends and Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer.
“He gave me his opinion if I stay or leave. He was always about taking that opportunity when the opportunity presents its self. But making sure that the opportunity comes at the right time, not after three games.” said Jones of his talks with Coach Meyer.
“After the life after football, I want to be a financial planner.” said Jones when asked about his educational goals, “My football and my career window is so short, but I mean after I’m done with football I still have my whole life to live.”
First, though 2-time All Big Ten Offensive Player of the year in Braxton Miller, still has yet to make his final decision on wether to go to another school or to return to the Buckeyes for his final year of eligibility, Coach Urban Meyer is consistent in his confidence that Miller will return to Columbus next season.
Secondly, redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett who led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 regular season in replacement of injured Braxton Miller before getting injured himself in the final game of the regular season against Michigan. He finished 2014 completing 203-of-314 pass attempts on his way to 2,834 yards through the air along with 34 touchdown passes. He also added 938 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns with his legs as he finished 5th overall in the 2014 Heisman Trophy balloting.
And now there is defending National Championship quarterback Cardale Jones, a humble kid from Cleveland, Ohio that after starting only 3 games at the collegiate level has created national buzz and been projected as high as a 1st round draft pick.
The future looks bright for the Ohio State Buckeyes as they prepared to defend their title next season, but the future for Cardale Jones, the engaging and always smiling quarterback phenom, looks even brighter as he has his mind and goals in the right in order on the way to his dream of being a Financial Planner that once played football.
