Ohio State QB Cardale Jones confirms he is headed to NFL

After Ohio State’s Nov. 21 game against Michigan State, quarterback Cardale Jones tweeted that the game was his last at Ohio Stadium, hinting that he would leave school early for the NFL.

On Wednesday, Jones confirmed it to reporters. He will forgo his senior season and move on to the NFL after the Buckeyes play Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl on Friday.

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Jones, who was benched in the middle of the season in favor of J.T. Barrett, would have one more season of eligibility in 2016 and would have the option to pursue a graduate transfer. Out of loyalty to Ohio State, Jones said he is not interested in that option.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Jones was Ohio State’s third string quarterback heading into the 2014 season, but was forced into the starting lineup after injuries to Braxton Miller and Barrett. After Barrett was injured in the regular season finale, Jones led the Buckeyes to a win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and then knocked off Alabama and Oregon in the College Football Playoff to win the national title.

He opened this season as the starter, but was replaced by Barrett due to inconsistent play. In 10 games this season, Jones has thrown for 1,460 yards, eight interceptions and five touchdowns.

For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.

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