Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith returns for 2021 season

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Tyreke Smith isn’t going anywhere.

The Ohio State defensive end confirmed in a social media announcement Monday that he will be back with the Buckeyes for the 2021 season rather than making the NFL Draft.

While there has been speculation that Smith could make the jump to the NFL, it would have been a questionable decision after registering just two sacks in 2020. While Smith arrived at Ohio State as a nearly five rookie stars and has the physical tools to play defense in the league, he still hasn’t emerged as a constant impact player for the Buckeyes and would likely have been a Day 3 draft pick.

Returning to Ohio state for his senior season, however, Smith will have the opportunity to continue to develop under Larry Johnson’s tutelage and possibly finally have his long-awaited breakout season in 2021. He is expected to lead the Buckeyes to the final defensive position following the departure of Jonathon Cooper.

With Smith’s decision to stay in Ohio state, the Buckeyes are set to return four of their five defensive ends that saw regular playing time last season, also including Zach Harrison, Tyler Friday and Javontae Jean- Baptist. While they will seek out each of those defensive ends to step forward and make more impact plays in 2021, they will be loaded with depth in post, with Cormontae Hamilton, Noah Potter, Darrion Henry-Young and Jacolbe Cowan. Jack Sawyer is also back and a five-star rookie about to arrive as a potential immediate impact rookie.



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