COLUMBUS — Redshirt sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins sat for two years behind other talented Buckeye quarterbacks, but his first season as the starting quarterback at Ohio State has been historic.
This season, Haskins led the Buckeyes to a 12-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl appearance, and he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Haskins has not yet revealed his decision on his future as he weighs staying for another season or leaving for the NFL after next month’s game.
“Of course, the NFL talk is there, everybody hears it and it’s just a blessing to be a part of and it’s been a dream come true,” Haskins said on Wednesday. “But as far as making a decision, I haven’t made one yet. I still have a lot of time here left at Ohio State. I’m just taking it day by day and making a decision after the Bowl Game.”
Many are expecting Haskins to leave early and enter the 2019 NFL Draft as a projected first-round draft pick, but Haskins has tried to stay focused on what is right in front of him.
“I always felt like my parents did a great job of raising me in knowing that I have to be in the now, and that of course it’s great to have a future plan and know where you want to be, but it takes work to get there,” he said.
“So, just to be considered for the NFL or to be considered the top quarterback on the board, I’ve been working at this since I was 8 years old. Right now, I’m the Ohio State quarterback and that’s where I want to be, that’s what I’m going to do and that’s what I’m going to practice like. I’m not worried about being the first pick or being the first quarterback taken because that will come in due time.”
But should he make the decision to leave Ohio State and enter the draft, Haskins said it would be extremely hard to leave Ohio State.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play here for a long time,” Haskins said. “It has been a blessing to be a part of this team, be a part of this university, a part of my teammates. It will definitely be a hard decision to make, but I’m just excited to finish out the season strong.”
Although he hasn’t made a decision about his future after this season, he did make it clear that he will be playing in the Rose Bowl.
“I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t play in it,” he said.
Playing in the Rose Bowl was never even a debate for Haskins.
His desire to play for his coaches and his teammates, and his love for the team and desire to help them win the game was all that he thought about.
“As a quarterback, you’re the leader of the team,” Haskins said. “Your guys rally around you. Why wouldn’t you want to play in a game? A game like this, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to play in the game.”
i think being an NFL QB is probably one of the most difficult jobs in sports. There are only 32 guys in the world that can start each year and really only 8-10 that do it at an elite level for many years. Mr. Haskins has had an unprecedented year for an Ohio State QB. His chances of hurting his draft stock are much greatest than improving it. Go be a pro Dwayne. Take the payday. Ohio State isn’t going out of business but your career click is already ticking. Yes, I’d love to see you try to top this season. But at what risk. The money for a top ten QB pick is astronomical and guaranteed monies are becoming more and more prevalent. On Jan 1st go break every Rose Bowl record you can. On Jan 2nd get focused on the NFL.
That focus is one of the attributes that make him who he is. Focus on the Rose Bowl. After that, focus on making the right decision. Focus on the now!
His comments really sounds like he’s leaving. Plus, what else does he have to prove? Nothing. It’s in his best interest to take the money. Whatever is left for him to polish on his skills, he can learn at the pro level.
No matter what he decides, I love this kid. He seems to have his head screwed on straight with a clear perspective about life. He sees all angles while remaining focused on the task at hand…winning the Rose Bowl. I’m proud of him, what he has accomplished and how he has represented OSU with dignity and maturity. I hope he stays but I’m not expecting it.
There are a few things that Dwayne could still learn. He still has focus lapses when he’s under duress. His lower body mechanics tend to get wonky which changes his delivery/release point. It causes his more often than not to over shoot his target. No one likes getting popped in the chops, but, it’s something all the great quarterbacks have been able to do effectively. That ability alone is the difference between being just good, or great. Will he have time to learn that trait at the next level, or should he stay and hone that skill to razor sharpness?
As a fan I personally would like to see him return and see how much of his success was his own, and how much of the credit belongs to his receivers. There’s still a roster full of potential next level receivers. I think he should stay and give THEM the same benefit that the guys having to leave this year, did for him when they could have left for the draft after last season.
He’s got to make the decision that’s right for him.
“Time and change will surely show………..How firm thy friendship O-HI-O.
Great article … well written and informative! Caroline you’re doing an awesome job !
and we appreciate Haskins for not wimping out and playing in the game with his team–kick some WA butt!