From obscurity to national fame, Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones has entered the public lexicon in a big way. Jones, who began this season as the Buckeyes third-string quarterback, just completed an improbable run that culminated in a National Championship title last night against the favored Oregon Ducks.
So what's next for the ascending Jones -- a celebration, some rest and relaxation? Nope. Jones has to decide by this Thursday if he wants to declare for the NFL draft after just three career starts. Yahoo Sports' Shaun King thinks he should do just that.
"Absolutely, and his inexperience won't matter because he's got two things going for him: timing and measurable," King said. "It will be a great time to enter the draft because it's a very shallow group of quarterbacks that are going to be his competition and they are going to love him when they see him. He checks off all the measurables, 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, has a rocket arm, has athleticism. You know the NFL types fall in love with that, especially when you compare it to a weak group of quarterbacks. I know it sounds crazy, but I think Cardale Jones should enter the draft."
The top two quarterback prospects are Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston, according to ESPN NFL draft insider Mel Kiper Jr. Here's what Kiper had to say of Jones back in December, before the QB navigated OSU through the playoffs on short notice:
"Cardale Jones is the interesting guy. He is a third-year sophomore this year, so he's draft eligible, but I doubt he'll come out. Jones is the best pro prospect on Ohio State and has the best arm out of anyone in college football."
In three games this season, Jones complete 60.9 percent of his passes while throwing for 860 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed 72 times for 296 yards (4.1 average) and one touchdown. Last night, Jones completed 16 of 23 passes for 242 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while also rushing 21 times for 38 yards and one touchdown.
Jones' stock is possibly the highest it is ever going to be, despite his limited experience. A strong pro day and good pre-draft measurables could shoot him up the quarterback rankings, as King noted.
