Let me preface this by saying, I've always concluded that when the money is there, and since football is a game where your career can end with one play, you take the money while you can get it, so I can't blame Hank at all for taking off when he's projected as a top ten pick.
However, reading about Roby's decision to stay, it does give me a twinge of bitterness to the situation. Roby has decided that he has unfinished business and wants to come back for his senior year to try and win a title. It just sucks that Hankins didn't have the same mindset. Again, can't blame the guy, but as a fan, and as someone that wants to see Ohio State football in the game for the crystal every year, I can't help but feel a little let down by Hankins decision after seeing Roby's mindset.
not at all
Roby is a sophomore, and Hankins is a junior that's top 3 at his position. Sure, we'd love him to stay with the program, but you can't fault a guy for leaving at this time.
Roby is a REDSHIRT Sophomore (going-to-be REDSHIRT Junior).
I hear you loud and clear, and the "selfish fan" inside me says "C'mon Hank, win a ring!" On the other hand, his draft stock and all rational economic self-interest says "Go cash that check."
The Greg Oden situation convinced me that big-time players need to take the money while they can, because there may not be a tomorrow.
Not even the slightest bit bitter. 2 totally different players with 2 totally different circumstances...
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
No way. Hankins is a sure thing first round draft pick. His body has a limited shelf life. If he wants to make football a career he has to make the best decision for his body and that was to leave early and make money when he can.
The only hope I have is that he completed his education if he hasn't already.
No bitterness at all. This is part of having elite talent on your roster, and we can expect to see more of it.
Different situations entirely. Broby will be a RS junior this year, and was projected as a bubble first rounder anyway, with a lot of improving to do. Big Hank is a top 10 projection, and to be honest, doesn't have much left to prove at the college level. I see no fault in his decision. I would have been extremely disappointed if Roby would have left early, as he has the potential to be a Thorpe winner, and greatly improve his worth to the NFL with another breakout season.
I have no bitterness to Big Hank in any way. Sure, I'd love for him to have decided to come back and make a title run his senior season, but the guy has made what he believes is th best decision for him, so I wish him the best. He's gonna be a first rounder and make some nice coin, so good for him.
IMO: I think Roby's stock could only improve by coming back. And come this time next year, I expect he could be a legitimate 1st round prospect.
Has to be hard for a 20 year old kid to turn down possible millions of dollars. As much as I would like to see Big Hank play for another year I think its time that he reap the benefits of all his hard work the last few years...he's earned it.
Hank's stock will never be higher. The only thing that happens to conseous top ten players when they stay another year is their stock falls. See Matt Barkley, JakeLocker.
As a fan, yes, I want him to anchor our line. As a realist I realize that this was the right call.
On an aside I was more upset that Evan Turner left than any football player leaving early.
edit: his name is Jake, not Jack -facepalm-
~Because we couldn't go for three~
There are examples both ways, Andrew Luck certainly didn't hurt his stock. But yea, you gotta go if you are a top 5-10 pick. Especially with the body type Hank has. Go while your knees are still working...
Take the money and run! Robe needed another year to boost his stock, Hyde needs the same.
Tomorrow
No. As a fan you should be happy for him, not selfish.
No.
hooray for hank, and i think this is good for urban when it comes to recruiting. he can tell future commits, that the way to the nfl runs through columbus. much as what is going on with kentucky's basketball program.
I think everyone agrees that Hank got out at the right time for his draft stock...I am just elated that a secondary veteran is sticking around to help with the championship run and to teach the younger guys the system before he goes to the NFL.
Not even a little bit.
none
not at all
Not only is Hank a first round pick, I'd say he could even be #1 overall pick, or at least top five. There is nothing he could have done in his senior season to improve his potential draft position. Sucks that he couldn't come back, he would have been a big help to a potential championship run. But for his NFL aspirations, he couldn't improve his stock and could have potentially hurt it. He had to go.
Not bitter at all, can't blame the guy.
Absolutely not. The new NFL rookie salary structure means a huge drop off from Hankins is projected to where Roby is, even if they both go in the first round.
If Roby was projected top 5 or 10 like Hankins is he'd be gone. Seeming to think he wasn't. One other thing to consider, if Hankins had come back it mightve hampered the development of Spence, Washington and Schutt. Those 3 need to be starting and getting the experience they need because if Hankins stays, he's gone next year irregardless. You have to like the experience we will be returning on the defensive line for 2014 in that regard.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
If I had to guess, I'd say most people aren't bitter.
kinda what some have already said, but beleive that if Roby were projected higher I don't think his "mindset" would be what it is right now. Once he realized he probably needed another year under his belt at the college level he decided to stay. All that "unfinished business" talk is for the fans.
I'm very excited that he is a buckeye next year but lets be real about why he's really staying. (not that it's a bad thing)
Even though most of the sentiment here is the same as mine, I'll reiterate it...not even on bit. If Roby had left as a late first round projection, I still wouldn't be upset. Yes, I want them both, but if they feel it's in their best interest to go, then so be it. My only thing is that if they aren't a first round projection, there's no sense in going.
With that being said, I also think Hankins had nothing more to gain in terms of experience and his value may be at its peak. Go now before some sort of Matt Leinart/Matt Barkley scenario happens when you stay and you go from a sure fire #1 pick (being a bust or not aside, Leinart would've been and Barkley would've battled for it) and have your draft stock fall down completely. Hankins made the right choice.
Glad Raby is coming back & I feel it was the right decision for him. Projected bottom of 1st (maybe) but more of a 2nd to early 3rd. Has all the potential of being #1 CB. Big Hank's choice is good for him & I understand. Wish him all the best & will follow him in NFL.
Nope. Different situations. Hankins will be a top 10-15 pick and Roby was looking at 2nd round.
Good for Hank. Although it doesnt help much this year it does pay dividends when UFM can point to Hank directly and say "Yes he went to OSU and he is a in beast mode in the league." And then rattle off all the other OSU players which are enjoying that pay day.
Nothing like dancing on the field in 02...
Let's actually get a top defensive lineman that produces in the league first, haha. The last few haven't turned many heads
I think Big Vern Gholston turned a few heads...probably not for the right reasons though :-/
Crossing my fingers Hank goes against that grain. Might help that he's worked under 2.5 different regimes in his college days hopefully shortens up that learning curve.
Nothing like dancing on the field in 02...
I went to a Tennessee Titans versus New York Jets game several years back. I went to the game mainly to see Brett Favre play, as he was with the Jets at the time, but let's just say Gholston looked really good in warm-ups. But once the game started...
Will Smith
No, and why would anyone be bitter? Hank put in 3 great years and is going to be a top-10 pick. It would be selfish to be mad at him for leaving, espeically if he were to come back and get injuried. Roby has only put in 2 years, and stated he wants to be the best CB to come out of tOSU, so I wouldn't be surprised that if next year, Roby doesn't earn a bunch of accolades that he'll be back his senior season.
Uh, NO! plenty of talent still on the team. Time for Hank to move on.
I honestly say I am actually more bitter over you creating so many posts. chill for a bit man!
No, not at all.
You gotta take the money when it is presented. Hankins would lose millions coming back, when roby will gain them with an extra year. Both guys made the right decision.
Hanks stock is thru the roof right now! The risk definitely outweighs the reward as far as Hank coming back for his Sr season. Roby still has many things to work on & I think he would agree. Not bitter at all... Get them dollars Big Hank!
Nope. Good luck Big Hank is all I got for ya!!!
Silly, not even the same situation... What does one have to do with the other?
Listen everyone, please try and hide your contempt a little better : ) GO BUCKS!
Just a life long Buckeye fan wanting to talk to other lifelong Buckeye fans. Our honor defend, we will fight to the end for OOO HIIII OOOOOO!
Yes. (maybe disappointed vs. bitter)
I don't question Hank's motives or love of school. My response is just an honest yes because of "what may have been".
I think Hank did the right thing but as a selfish fan I would love to see how dominant he could have been. I'm not saying I would want to force him to do it and risk his future career, but as a fan i would love to see what could have been. This is similar to the TP saga. I would love to have seen what the bucks could do had we not lost our coach etc. Look how that turned out. Who knows, not having him may lead to Joey Bosa being named the first Freshman All american at DT. You never know. I imagine most people on this board would agree.
Being a college football fan you really can't let this type of thing faze you. In fact, I hope that we have a ton of guys go early because it is just proof that we have a bunch of really good guys.
I don't allow 18-24 year olds decisions about what is best for their lives to effect my life.
Do you give up time to go to the games?
Do you cheer when they do well?
Would either of those be considered affecting your life?
That is the extent of the impact on my life but there is an impact.
1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Yes
My comment was on their decisions about their futures (going to the NFL early) not on that stuff. I'm a fan of the team and the players. If they feel it is in their best interest to leave early, I'm not bitter in the least. Best of luck to them and I'll always continue to root for them even after they leave.
No, I say if you're a 1st round projection, GO!
Hankins is a top 10 pick...Roby is a 2nd round pick. His unfinished business is becoming a top 10 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Hanks situation was totally different....Big Hank will be a top ten pick or at the least top 15. Not sure Roby would have been picked in the second round or not...it's the draft...hard to say. No brainer for Hank....Roby's decision was a totally different situation and not as clear (not to mention...Roby has unfinished business).
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Nope. I mean I wanted him to stay, but with how good this D'Line looks, i'm not too upset.
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
Agree with all - he should go and we wish him much luck.
Also, have you considered that it is GOOD FOR THE PROGRAM to have guys leave early to be high draft choices. We wish it would be like earlier times where guys came for 4 years, but Hank leaving early is critical for recruiting.
I'm not sure "it is GOOD FOR THE PROGRAM to have guys leave early" is a true statement.
There are definitely elements that are good. Would it be better if Roby left?
Not nearly as good because he would not necessarily be a high pick. Also, and the point I think you're making, is that we desperately need him if we are going to make a NC run.