Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins to enter NFL Draft

12/10/2012

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will bypass his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, the school announced today.

Widely projected as a top-20 selection, the All-Big Ten junior started every game the past two seasons as the Buckeyes' immovable interior anchor. Hankins, listed at 6-foot-3, 322 pounds, had 55 tackles -- including four for a loss -- this year.

His departure leaves the Buckeyes with no returning starters on the defensive line, though they have considerable depth at the position.

"My three years at The Ohio State University have provided amazing experiences for me, and they are years I will never forget or take for granted,” Hankins said in a statement. “My plans are to return to finish my degree and to continue to be a part of this brotherhood of Buckeyes."