Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields declared for the 2021 NFL Draft on Monday, a move that was expected.
Fields is projected to be one of the first two quarterbacks taken on Day 1 of the draft, scheduled for April 29 in Cleveland.
“Growing up, my dream was to one day play the game that I love at the highest level,” Fields wrote in a lengthy post on Twitter. “… I am in a position to turn that dream into reality. And for that reason, I am foregoing my senior year and declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.”
Fields finishes his career with 5,701 yards passing and 67 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He also rushed for 1,133 yards and 19 touchdowns in 34 games with the Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs (2018).
Fields led Ohio State to the CFP playoffs in his two years at OSU. The Buckeyes lost to the Clemson Tigers in the semifinals in 2019 and lost to Alabama in the title game in 2020.
Fields was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019, compiling one of the greatest statistical seasons in Ohio State history. He completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,273 yards while accounting for 51 touchdowns (41 passing, 10 rushing). He became the first quarterback in Big Ten history with 40 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs in the same season.
Fields was named the Big Ten offensive player of the year for 2019 and 2020.
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon declared for the draft on Sunday.
Coach Ryan Day got good news on Monday when tight end Jeremy Ruckert announced he will return for his senior season in 2021.
The 6-foot-5 Ruckert caught 13 passes for 151 yards and five touchdowns in 2020 and emerged as the No. 1 tight end.
–Field Level Media
