alporcini Posted January 8, 2009 Report Share Posted January 8, 2009 Given Mangini's success with Thomas Jones with the improved Jets frontline this season, wonder if this is an indication of how he will lean on draft day.... ------------------------------------------- Buckeyes' Wells to go pro Comment Email Print By Adam Rittenberg ESPN.com Archive Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells announced Thursday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. A second-team All-Big Ten selection this season, Wells ranks fourth on Ohio State's career rushing list (3,382 yards). He's widely projected to be one of the first two running backs selected in Aprils draft, along with Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, who declared Wednesday. "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." Wells entered the season as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy but sustained a right foot/toe injury in the third quarter of the season opener against Youngstown State. He missed three games, including Ohio State's loss to USC, before returning for the final nine contests. The 6-1, 237-pound Wells currently ranks sixth nationally in rushing average (119.7 ypg) after finishing 11th last season. He has battled injuries throughout his career and left Mondays Tostitos Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas with a concussion early in the fourth quarter. Wells left the door open for a return last week, saying "I personally feel like I haven't done enough at Ohio State." But his jump to the pros was widely anticipated and endorsed by head coach Jim Tressel last month. "Ohio State football will miss Beanie's big runs, but we will also miss his big smile," Tressel said in a statement. He has been a tremendous teammate and one of the all-time great performers in the greatest rivalry in college football. Wells had 412 rushing yards and four touchdowns in three career games against Ohio State's archrival Michigan. He will spend next week training for the NFL Combine at D1 Sports Training in Nashville, which is co-owned by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. One of Wells advisors contacted D1 Sports president and CEO Will Bartholomew on Thursday morning about having the running back train there, according to corporate public relations director Matt Toy. Wells will join fellow Big Ten players like Illinois defensive end Will Davis, Illinois tackle Xavier Fulton and Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto in the program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBrownsFan Posted January 8, 2009 Report Share Posted January 8, 2009 One of Wells advisors contacted D1 Sports president and CEO Will Bartholomew on Thursday morning about having the running back train there, according to corporate public relations director Matt Toy. Wells will join fellow Big Ten players like Illinois defensive end Will Davis, Illinois tackle Xavier Fulton and Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto in the program. Anthony Scirrotto?? LOL - he will not even get drafted. He is horrible, as you all saw during the PSU-USC game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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