Ohio State split end Michael Jenkins, who made several clutch catches for the Buckeyes this season, and defensive tackle Will Smith said Wednesday that they will return for their senior seasons.
The juniors could have given up their final year of eligibility and made themselves available for the NFL draft.
"I gave a little thought about leaving, but I never seriously considered it," said Jenkins, who led the Buckeyes with 61 receptions, 1,076 yards receiving and six touchdown catches in 14 games.
He teamed with quarterback Craig Krenzel for two of biggest plays in Ohio State's national championship run.
Jenkins caught the game-winning 37-yard TD pass on fourth-and-1 with a 1:36 remaining against Purdue on Nov. 9, and prolonged the first overtime in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3 with a 17-yard reception on fourth-and-14.
The Buckeyes eventually scored the tying touchdown on Krenzel's sneak, and won their first national championship since the 1969 Rose Bowl by preventing Miami from scoring in the second OT.
Smith, who joined Jenkins as a second-team All-Big Ten performer this season, set the tone for Ohio State's defense in the Fiesta Bowl by sacking Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey on the Hurricanes' first play.
"I want to graduate next year and play for the chance to win another national championship," said Smith, who had 4 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles in the regular season.
"My grandmother always emphasized graduating from college and while I could have done that had I chose to leave early, I think it would be great to accomplish that in four years and put that part of my life behind me."
Another Ohio State junior, defensive end Darrion Scott, announced last week that he would return for his senior season.
Other teams didn't fare as well.
Tight end Dallas Clark became the fourth All-American to leave school early for the NFL draft when he decided Wednesday that he would skip his senior season at Iowa.
Clark announced his decision on the final day for college underclassmen to declare for the draft.
Miami running back Willis McGahee, Arizona State defensive end Terrell Suggs and Michigan State receiver Charles Rogers were the other All-Americans who turned pro early.
In all, 30 players have announced their intentions to enter the NFL draft. Additional players could leave school early as long as their letters to the NFL were postmarked by Wednesday.
Clark said his decision was difficult but added the time is right for him to pursue a professional career.
"It's been a really hard decision, one of the toughest I think I'll make," Clark said. "I know that it's probably going to upset a lot of people I'm not coming back. But I thought a lot about it. This is the right thing for me. At this point in my life, I have to look out for my best interests."
Clark had 43 receptions for 742 yards and four touchdowns this past season. He also won the John Mackey Award given to the nation's top tight end.
Texas receiver Roy Williams said he will stay in school for his senior year.
Williams caught 64 passes for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns despite playing at least a third of the season with a strained hamstring.
"I'm not ready to have a house and live by myself," said the 21-year-old Williams, who lives on campus. "I'm still a kid at heart. I still watch cartoons."
Money is important enough that he's taken out a $3 million insurance policy in case he gets injured. Williams felt bad for McGahee, who was projected to be among the top draft picks before tearing two knee ligaments during the fourth quarter of the Fiesta Bowl.
"It was unfortunate for him," said Williams, who watched the Fiesta Bowl on television. "Eleven more minutes and he had millions in his pocket."
Georgia lost the most players, with linebacker Chris Clemons, running back Musa Smith, defensive lineman Jonathan Sullivan and tight end Ben Watson leaving early.
The other players who announced they are turning pro early are: quarterback Rex Grossman (Florida); running backs Chris Brown (Colorado), Onterrio Smith (Oregon) and Derek Watson (South Carolina); receivers Anquan Boldin (Florida State), Andre Johnson (Miami), Brandon Lloyd (Illinois), Shaun McDonald (Arizona State) and Kelley Washington (Tennessee); offensive lineman Kwame Harris (Stanford); tight ends Robert Johnson (Auburn), Jason Witten (Tennessee) and George Wrighster (Oregon); defensive linemen Clint Mitchell (Florida), Ian Scott (Florida), Dewayne White (Louisville) and Jimmy Wilkerson (Oklahoma); linebackers LaMarcus McDonald (TCU) and Terry Pierce (Kansas State); defensive backs Lynaris Elpheage (Tulane) and Ken Hamlin (Arkansas); and kicker Peter Christofilakos (Illinois).
Originally published Thursday, January 16, 2003
