Cardale Jones Does Not Enter NFL Draft: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Today is the deadline for underclassmen to declare they are entering the NFL draft, and Cardale Jones, 22, announced he won’t in a press conference held at his high school.

As a sophomore, Jones still has two years of eligibility, but as a National Championship winner, he doesn’t have much more to prove — except if he can handle a full season.

Here’s what you need to know:

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1. Jones Has Only Made Three Starts

Jones started the season as Ohio State’s third-string quarterback, but injuries to Braxton Miller and JT Barrett thrusted him into the starting role. His first career start came in the Big 10 Championship Game. After that came the Sugar Bowl and finally the National Championship game, all of which Ohio State won.

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2. Jones Has Under 1,000 Yards in His Career

Appearing in a total of only seven games, Jones has a measly 863 yards — 860 of which are from this season — in his college career. He also has seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

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3. Jones is Only a Sophomore

Jones still has two years of eligibility by not entering the draft. The sophomore still has two years to prove he can last a full season and his past three games weren’t flukes.

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4. Jones Would Not Have Been the Only Big Name Quarterback in the Draft

Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston will be in Chicago — presumably going as two of the first picks, possibly the first two overall.

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5. Jones is a Father

Jones and his girlfriend, Jeaney Durand, have a daughter, Chole, who was born in November. An NFL contract would have definitely helped with the baby bills, but Jones has decided to instead focus on his education.