OSU’s Gholston declares eligibility for NFL draft

Teammates Brian Robiskie and Malcolm Jenkins say they want another shot at a national championship.

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State’s top defensive lineman will forego his senior year to enter this spring’s NFL draft, while the team’s leading receiver and their top defensive back have decided to play one more season with the Buckeyes.

Vernon Gholston, the Big Ten’s defensive lineman of the year and a second-team All-American in 2007, has been projected as a first-round draft pick by several Web sites that track the NFL draft.

“As a son and as a man, it is my duty to serve and support my family to the best of my abilities,” he said in a statement Friday. “My childhood dream was, and still is, to one day be fortunate enough to do just that. I feel that time has come.”

The NFL draft is scheduled to be held April 26-27 in New York City.

Brian Robiskie, whose 11 touchdowns in 2007 were tied for fourth-highest in Ohio State history, and second team All-American Malcolm Jenkins both said they want another shot at a national championship.

The Buckeyes lost to LSU 38-24 on Monday, the second straight year Ohio State came up short in the BCS title game.

Robiskie, 20, had 55 catches for 935 yards in 2007. He had been seen as one Ohio State junior who might leave a year early for the NFL. Members of Robiskie’s class must declare their draft intentions by Tuesday.

Jenkins also earned first team all-Big Ten honors in 2007 and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation’s best defensive back. By staying another year, Jenkins will also be able to complete his communications degree, he said in a statement Friday.