Marcus Mariota, Cardale Jones undecided on NFL Draft
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones both said they are unsure about whether to enter the NFL Draft.
Both players were asked about their futures following Ohio State’s 42-20 victory over Oregon in the national championship game on Monday.
All prospects that want to be drafted must declare their intentions by Thursday.
"I'm sure it will weigh in a little bit, but there's a lot of other things that have to play into that decision," Mariota said, according to ESPN.com. "There's starting grad school, coming back for another year to improve, there's a lot of other things that could bring me back. It's just not specifically this loss."
Mariota, the Heisman Trophy winner who completed 24 of 37 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Ohio State, still has a year of eligibility left and is expected to be a top pick should he enter the draft.
Jones' case is different altogether. He is also eligible for the draft being a third-year sophomore, but he only started three games this season and was thrust into action because of injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. He led the Buckeyes to victories in all three games – the Big Ten championship, Sugar Bowl and national championship – including throwing for 242 yards and one touchdown in the title game. He also ran for 38 yards and a score vs. Oregon.
“It’s definitely a 'Who knows?' right now,” Jones said.
- Scooby Axson
