Sources say OSU’s Whitner weighing NFL draft options
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Ken Gordon and Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Ohio State safety Donte Whitner did not attend a scheduled autograph signing last night amid conflicting reports on whether he plans to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
Whitner was one of about a dozen Buckeyes players listed on a sign in the sports memorabilia store The Sports Zone advertising last night’s signing. Such an appearance would mean Whitner was giving up his college eligibility.
According to store owner David Johnson, Whitner’s agent, Neil Cornrich, told Johnson his client was going to declare for the draft Friday and would not do any signings before declaring.
Cornrich did not return a to Texas in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4.
White and Bush combined for 99 career touchdowns in three years, breaking the NCAA record of 97 set by Army’s Glenn Davis and Felix "Doc" Blanchard from 1943-46.
Whitner has not returned numerous phone calls over the past few days.
OSU coaches are expecting Whitner to go pro, but a source close to Whitner said the player was still unsure of his plans.
The source said Whitner has been disappointed with where he is projected to be drafted. The general feeling is Whitner would be a second-round pick at best, with the third round more likely.
Underclassmen have until Sunday to declare but can back out before Jan. 19.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Cleveland Glenville product last season was third on the team in tackles with 73, including nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He also had two interceptions and a forced fumble.
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