BREAKING: Tressel Expects Mass Return

With the exception of Chris Wells, Coach Jim Tressel expects all six underclassman to return for their senior seasons, according to a senior athletic department official. On December 16, Jake Ballard, Jim Cordle, Kurt Coleman, Brian Hartline, Anderson Russell, and Donald Washington turned in forms to gage their potential draft status. Wells did not turn in the forms. However, the official labeled Wells departure “a forgone conclusion.”

“Beanie? Beanie is gone,” he said. “No one is expecting any different. In our mind, that’s a forgone conclusion. The others, Coach fully expects them to play here next year. He would, I think, we’d all be shocked if any of them go now.”

None of the decisions would be a surprise. Wells is the only junior projected as a first round pick and the others would have trouble cracking the first day, according to one NFL talent evaluator we spoke with. Potential leadership roles, not draft position however, is what Tressel has used as a selling point.

“The last think we ever want to do is make a kid feel like he isn’t good enough,” the official said. “But, this team next year, wont be this year’s team. Only nine possible senior starters in the two deep, we need the help. The kids know that. That’s why coach expects them back.”

Currently, Ohio State is in Arizona, preparing to oppose Texas in the Fiesta Bowl (January 5). None of the underclassman, including Wells, is expected to make an announcement prior to the game. Underclassman have until January 15 to declare themselves draft eligible.