Wells exiting OSU, entering NFL draft

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells is giving up his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Wells, one of seven Ohio State juniors who were considering making the early jump, issued a statement Thursday saying the move is in the best interest of his family.

“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, my teachers and the academic advisors for all they have done, and I definitely want to thank the Buckeye fans for all their support,” Wells said. “Ohio State has become like a family to me, and it will always be that way.”

Wells fought nagging injuries much of his career at Ohio State. He was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate before missing three full games this past season with a right foot injury, but still managed to run for 1,197 yards.

He saw limited action in the second half of Monday’s Fiesta Bowl due to symptoms of a concussion, finishing with 106 yards on 16 carries in the Buckeyes’ 24-21 loss to Texas.

In three seasons at Ohio State, Wells ran for 3,382 yards, fourth best in school history.

He’s projected to be one of the first running backs selected in the draft.

“Ohio State football will miss Beanie’s big runs,” coach Jim Tressel said, “but we will also miss his big smile.”

Other Buckeyes considering whether to leave early are receiver Brian Hartline, defensive backs Kurt Coleman, Anderson Russell and Donald Washington, tight end Jake Ballard and offensive lineman Jim Cordle.

Pitt

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy did not attend a post-bowl team meeting Thursday, spurring speculation that he may change his mind and declare for the NFL draft.

McCoy, coming off the best freshman and sophomore seasons by any Pitt running back, said in late November he would return for his junior season. As late as Monday, Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said McCoy told him after the Panthers’ 3-0 loss to Oregon State in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl that he wasn’t turning pro.

“He’s excited to come back,” Wannstedt said.