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Elliott thrills fans at Eastwood Mall
Ohio State running back visits Niles,
says he’s preparing for 2016 NFL draft
By Brian Dzenis
NILES
Ezekiel Elliott was born in Illinois and attended high school in Missouri, but Ohio has been home for the star running back.
And he’s welcome in that home. Small children and grown men gawked as the second-leading rusher in Buckeyes history took off his coat to reveal his No. 15 jersey Saturday during an autograph appearance at Everything Buckeyes in the Eastwood Mall.
“Buckeye nation has been my best friend since I came to Ohio State,” Elliott said. “There’s no fans like Ohio State fans and I’m just thankful to be a part of this university and I can’t wait to see all these fans out here waiting.”
An estimated 100 fans paid anywhere from $15 to $80 for Elliott’s signature. For them it was worth it just to be up close to the Fiesta Bowl hero. Elliott rushed for 149 yards and four touchdowns as Ohio State topped Notre Dame, 44-28. A year ago, he led the Buckeyes to a national title.
“It was a good opportunity to go out and establish my legacy,” Elliott said of a 44-28 win over Notre Dame on Jan. 1. “It was great being out there for the last time with my guys getting a W. We accomplished what we wanted to do.”
Elliott carried 592 times for 3,961 yards and 43 touchdowns in three years at Ohio State. Only two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin has rushed for more yards for the Buckeyes.
The junior back declared for the NFL draft after his team’s chances to contend for another national title chances were shot in a 17-14 loss to Michigan State on Nov. 21.
Draft experts consider Elliot a mid-first round pick. After doing all he could for Ohio State, Elliott is off to get ready to find his next home.
“Right now, I’ll be moving to Florida to get my training started to get ready for the draft,” he said.