OSU's Washington to declare for NFL draft

COLUMBUS - Ohio State junior defensive back Donald Washington announced Thursday morning that he will enter his name into the 2009 NFL draft and forgo his senior season.

"I'm very excited to take the next step and pursue my dream of playing in the National Football League, but it has been a difficult and emotional decision," Washington said.

Washington, an Indianapolis native, recorded 99 tackles during his three-year Ohio State career. He will graduate from Ohio State in June with a degree in communications.