It was reported last night that Ohio State RB Beanie Wells has decided to skip his senior season to go pro and will enter the NFL draft.
Wells will leave Ohio State as the school’s fourth all-time leading rusher with 3,382 yards. He is behind Buckeye legends Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Tim Spencer. Beanie Wells came into the 2008 season as a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, but was slowed by injuries early in the year. He rebounded to run very well down the stretch, and played terrifically in the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas.
Last week, it appeared that Wells might return to Ohio State, as he cited a feeling of unfinished business. However, it appears that the advice of Jim Tressel, and rational thought, prevailed. Running backs, more than any other position, have a very short shelf-life in the NFL. Beanie Wells will go high in the draft and saves himself a year of wear and tear by leaving now.
I don’t think anyone can argue that he is making the best possible decision for himself. And kudos to Jim Tressel for leading him in that direction.
The following is the statement released by Beanie Wells:
“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, my teachers and the academic advisors for all they have done, and I definitely want to thank the Buckeye fans for all their support,” Wells said in a statement. “Ohio State has become like a family to me, and it will always be that way. But in the best interest of my family, it’s time to move on and take a chance at fulfilling my lifetime dream of playing in the NFL.”
Gotta get to work this morning, so I can’t expound too much, but needless to say Browns fans everywhere will start clamoring for the Cleveland and new coach Eric Mangini to select the Ohio native and Buckeye star. Would that be a good choice for the Browns? It will no doubt be a hotly debated topic over the next few weeks.
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