So now we just wait on Pryor…

James Laurinaitis is coming back for his senior year. Sorry about your luck Michigan.

So let’s get this straight- The Buckeyes will return 9 starters on defense. That’s 9 starters on a unit that ranked first in the nation in most categories, and held Michigan to 91 yards of total offense. On offense, they lose Kirk Barton and Dionte Johnson, who was splitting time with 2 other players anyway. Coming back are Hartline and Robiskie who combined for over 1600 yards and 17 TD’s, and Chris Wells who had 1609 yards himself and 15 TD’s.

That same Michigan team has lost QB’s Chad Henne and Ryan Mallet, RB Mike Hart, WR’s Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington, plus OL’s Jake Long and Adam Kraus. Defensively they lose 4 starters, including Sean Crable. On top of that Michigan will have to travel to Columbus this year. All of that with a new coach and system to learn. Yep. Good luck with that ground hogs.

Monday Rumblings

The Cavs are off until Tuesday, but there may be something to report on as rumors circulate about a potential Sam Cassell trade. Not sure these aren’t more than the ‘that would make sense’ variety of rumor. Personally I would welcome Cassell, especially if Hughes was the target. No, huh? Alright.

Buckeye land awaits the decision of James Laurinaitis today.

(Was that too obvious?)

With Alex Boone in the fold for another season the O-Line will be in good shape again next season. Especially with the recruiting class we have coming in. The battle for right tackle is going to be fierce! With regard to Laurinaitis, I hope he does come back, but not because I think he would be the difference between a championship or not. The Buckeyes have 2 outstanding LB recruits coming to Columbus next year in Etienne Sabino and Andrew Sweat. I would love for Laurinaitis to show these two what it takes to be the next great linebacker at OSU. A.J. Hawk was there for James. Matt Wilhelm was there for A.J. Wilhelm never won any of the major awards, but he certainly had the work ethic.

Jenkins to stay, Gholston to leave

Malcolm Jenkins surprised many by deciding to stay for his senior season at Ohio State.

Malcolm Jenkins decided he hadn’t accomplished all he could in college, and so he is returning for another year. The Buckeye corner back was projected by many to go in the first round of this year’s draft had he decided to declare. Consider Halftime Adjustments pleasantly surprised by the decision. Jenkins will surely be named a defensive captain next season, and should be a pre-season All-American.

Pictured with Jenkins above is of course junior linebacker James Laurinaitis. The Buckeye All-American has until Tuesday to decided whether of not to pursue the NFL, or continue playing for the Scarlett and Gray. Laurinaitis has said all season that he intends to return for his senior year, but nobody could blame the guy for moving on. He has won the major line-backer awards, twice been an All-American, and was even named a captain of this year’s team, which is quite rare for a junior under Tressel. Perhaps Malcolm’s decision to stay might motivate the Buckeye’s leading tackler to stay for one more year.

Unlike Jenkins, Vernon Gholston will be declaring for the NFL draft. This comes as no surprise, and certainly Gholston has a chance to be a first round pick as well. Gholston was one of the few Buckeyes to have a decent BCS game this year. His incredible strength and speed should serve him well at the next level. The Browns could sure use Vernon Gholston, but without trading into the first round there is no chance of that happening.