The expected became the official Monday, as junior running back Justice Hill announced he would forego OSU’s bowl game — along with his senior season — to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
In a vacuum, Hill’s departure is a big blow. But suction aside, his decision was one OSU has been actively preparing for. Hill has been on track to graduate in December for well over a year, and OSU’s recruiting focus and game plan at the position has largely reflected that.
However, J.D. King’s recent (and somewhat surprising) transfer back to his home state — coupled with a lack of success recruiting the position in 2019 — now may ramp up the urgency to not only grab a running back in the current recruiting cycle, but also to grab one who could potentially make an immediate impact.