Pryor’s attorney told the Dispatch Tuesday afternoon that the dynamic signal- caller has decided to forego his senior season.
It is unclear whether the 21-year-old native of western Pennsylvania will be eligible right away for the NFL’s supplemental draft. According to the paper, a player is usually only eligible for supplemental consideration if there are extenuating circumstances that arise after April’s regular draft.
Being declared ineligible by one’s school is one of the criteria, but Ohio State has not taken steps toward that end.
It is a shocking and sudden end to a collegiate career that demonstrated such promise, but began to unravel right before Christmas.
On December 23, Pryor and four other Buckeyes — running back Dan Herron, receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas — were suspended for the first five games of 2011 season for receiving improper benefits in 2009.
According to the NCAA, the players were penalized for selling awards, gifts and university apparel. In addition to the suspension, the players were required to repay money and benefits ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The repayments must be made to a charity.
Those five players, along with linebacker Jordan Whiting who was also suspended one game for a lesser infraction, were eligible to return for the Buckeyes’ final contest of 2010, a 31-26 defeat of Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on January 4. The victory capped a 12-1 campaign.
Pryor led the Buckeyes to a 31-4 record overall as the starter in three years. He posted 6,177 passing yards with 57 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, adding 2,164 rushing yards with 17 more scores.
Along with leading the school to three straight wins over Michigan and capturing three straight Big Ten titles, he also was the MVP of the 2009 Rose Bowl win over Oregon and the Sugar Bowl victory.
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