Ohio State free safety Malik Hooker, a unanimous first-team All-American this year, has declared for the NFL Draft. He spread the news of this decision via his Twitter account.
https://twitter.com/MalikHooker24/status/816008441588289537
As of last month, Hooker had intended to return to Columbus for his redshirt-junior season, saying he was “100 percent sure I’m coming back to Ohio State.”
Following a historic 31-0 blowout loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, Hooker clearly had a change of heart. A likely first-round pick, he has smartly decided to strike while the iron is hot after a splendid individual performance in the game.
While this could be considered a big blow for the Urban Meyer-led Buckeyes, expect Ohio State to reload and charge hard for the College Football Payoff easily next season.