Eleven Warriors

Just when we were moping around after Gibson announced he was leaving early, Cam Heyward makes a lot of Ohioans happy. Per the university release:

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward announced this afternoon that he has decided to stay at Ohio State for his senior season.

A statement from Heyward:

“I am excited about next season and am looking forward to being one of the senior leaders of our team. I sat down and talked at length with my family about my situation, and they totally support my decision. I’ve been blessed to this point. I am just having fun being a college student.

“I learned a lot from seniors like Doug (Worthington) and Kurt (Coleman) and all they were able to accomplish during their senior year. I would love to be a part of Buckeye tradition like that. I think the upside is very positive.

“I want to help our team achieve the goals of winning another Big Ten title and possibly accomplishing a national championship. If I could win some recognition, that would be great as well. I think I can be a leader for our team, and I know another season will help me become a better player.”

Heyward, a product of Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., has recorded 115 tackles during his three-year career. The all-Big Ten selection led the Rose Bowl champion Buckeyes with 7.5 sacks this season, along with 11 TFL and a fumble recovery. He was named Big Ten player of the week versus Penn State, when he had 11 tackles, three TFL and two sacks. Heyward, who recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Michigan, has made 33 career starts for Ohio State. He is scheduled to graduate in spring, 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in human development.

Meanwhile, Chekwa is saying he will return and we're 99% sure Hines will be back. If those hold, losing just one of the four -- the one we always figured had the highest probability of leaving -- is stomachable.

Update (5:00pm): Confirmed. Chekwa is definitely coming back.

“I am not ready to leave Ohio State, and I am looking forward to my senior season. I prayed about this decision and talked about it with my parents, and I know this is the right decision for me.

“I will graduate next fall, and I am looking forward to being a leader on what can be a very special defense for the Buckeyes. After the Rose Bowl win, we are working toward accomplishing more great things, including another Big Ten title and a run at the national championship.”

Chekwa, a product of East Ridge High School in Clermont, Fla., has recorded 103 tackles during his three-year career. The honorable mention all-Big Ten selection led the Rose Bowl champion Buckeyes with seven pass breakups this season, along with an interception.