Ohio State Football: Big Day of Comings and Goings

Today was a huge day for the Buckeyes. Many questions got answered on the recruiting front and with potential seniors.

It figures this would happen while I am buried behind a ton of work.

The day started out with the news that Thaddeus Gibson would indeed head to the NFL. All the experts had been projecting this move for the last few months of the season, but it was still no fun hearing about his departure. You have to love what he had to say about heading to the NFL, though.

"I am not leaving the Buckeye family. I wish the team the very best in the upcoming years and I thank all my teammates for all their support. I will keep in touch with my Buckeye family, and I love them all. I will always bleed scarlet and gray."

The bad vibes produced by Gibson leaving didn't last very long in Buckeye Nation. Moments later we learned that Cameron Heyward and Chimdi Chekwa would be staying for their senior seasons. The departure of these guys would have been devastating, and their return gives the Buckeyes a realistic shot at a title run in 2010.

Heyward released this statement:

"I am excited about next season and am looking forward to being one of the senior leaders of our team. I sat down and talked at length with my family about my situation, and they totally support my decision. I've been blessed to this point. I am just having fun being a college student.

"I learned a lot from seniors like Doug (Worthington) and Kurt (Coleman) and all they were able to accomplish during their senior year. I would love to be a part of Buckeye tradition like that. I think the upside is very positive.

"I want to help our team achieve the goals of winning another Big Ten title and possibly accomplishing a national championship. If I could win some recognition, that would be great as well. I think I can be a leader for our team, and I know another season will help me become a better player."

Chekwa had this to say:

"I will graduate next fall, and I am looking forward to being a leader on what can be a very special defense for the Buckeyes. After the Rose Bowl win, we are working toward accomplishing more great things, including another Big Ten title and a run at the national championship."

Finally, we learned today that Jonathan Hankins will indeed be a Buckeye. The 6'3", 310-pound Hankins had narrowed his choices to OSU, Florida, and Michigan.

Besides the pure joy of stealing a solid recruit from the state of Michigan, Buckeye fans can also celebrate the makings of a great defensive line class. Not only has the staff reeled in several defensive end prospects, but Sharrif Floyd could also be a Buckeye by the end of the week.

Obviously, no one knows for sure if Floyd will pick the Buckeyes this Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but they appear to be the favorite.