Gibson leaving Ohio State; Heyward, Chekwa staying

COLUMBUS (AP) — Defensive end Thaddeus Gibson will forgo his final year at Ohio State to make himself available for the NFL draft in April.

Gibson recorded 82 tackles during his three years with the Buckeyes. He led the team with 13 tackles for losses this season, including four sacks. He also recovered two fumbles, forced two fumbles and had an interception.

A 6-foot-2, 240-pounder from Euclid, Ohio, Gibson started 23 games at Ohio State. He is scheduled to graduate in June with a bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies.

He had three sacks — one short of the Ohio State record — and recovered a fumble as the Buckeyes beat Minnesota to start a six-game winning streak to end the season.

Ohio State got good news from two other standout juniors. Defensive end Cameron Heyward and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa both announced they will return to the Buckeyes. Heyward said he is excited about the team Ohio State, which finished 11-2, has returning next year. Heyward is the son of the late former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.

Chekwa said he is looking forward to graduating in the fall and being a leader on “what can be a very special defense for the Buckeyes.”