Following the Buckeyes 28-23 victory over the Washington Huskies in the Rose Bowl, junior center Michael Jordan declared for the NFL Draft today through his personal twitter, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
The decision coming as a surprise to draft experts since the three year starter switched positions from guard to center this season, but Jordan felt it was time to take the next step saying, “In my heart I know I am ready for the NFL, largely because I have been coached by the very best”.
Jordan will become the first Ohio State offensive lineman to leave the program early in 22 years, but even with only one season as center he is sits as the 3rd best prospect at the position according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
Jordan has a chance to become the third center from Ohio State picked in the last three years joining Pat Elflein, selected in the third round in 2017 and Billy Price, selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. Jordan joins Buckeye teammates DE Nick Bosa, DT Dre’Mont Jones, and RB Mike Weber to declare early with QB Dwayne Haskins still on the fence.
Underclassmen have until January 14th to declare.
Jordan has not announced signing with an agent at the time this was reported.