COLUMBUS, Ohio — Taylor Decker was in the middle of explaining why he came back to Ohio State for his senior season when Pat Elflein came over and put an arm around Decker. “He’s not gonna leave me,” Elflein said, speaking over Decker. “I’m not gonna let him leave.” Decker flashed a smile and agreed. “How can I leave a guy like this?” Decker said. It’s well known that the bond among Ohio State’s offensive line — excuse me, The Slobs — is a strong one. But the reasons for why Decker, after a strong junior season that culminated with a National Championship, decided to stick around for his senior season and not test the NFL Draft waters go beyond that. “I thought about it honestly because you see things in the media and whatnot,” Decker said Thursday after the Buckeyes wrapped up their fourth practice of the spring. “Speaking with my parents I always planned on coming back for my senior year.” • Taylor Decker’s story told through his tattoos: ‘Nobody wants to be average’ Decker was first asked if he would leave for the NFL before the Buckeyes’ win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The question seemed a bit out of place then with Ohio State trying to win the first national title of the playoff era, and trying to get through Alabama to do it. But it turns out Decker would’ve been a hot commodity if he decided to leave. He’s currently ranked as the top offensive tackle prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft by CBSSports.com, and one draft analyst told Northeast Ohio Media Group that he would take Decker in the first round of this year’s draft if he came out. That same analyst described Decker as a more athletic version of former Buckeyes tackle Jack Mewhort. Mewhort was a second-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 NFL Draft, and ended up starting every game last season. Why would Decker pass that up? …
Continue Reading: Ohio State football: Buckeyes OT Taylor Decker explains why he didn't leave early for the NFL
