Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott had a pretty good year in 2014. He finished with 1878 yards and 18 touchdowns on the year, but his last three games in the Big Ten title game and the College Football Playoff, he put on an absolute clinic, rushing for 220, 230, and 246 yards in those three games to carry the Buckeyes to the national title.
Maurice Clarett tells Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott to stay in school
Some sage advice from a man whose been in this position before.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Almost on cue, some people have started saying Elliott, a sophomore not eligible for the NFL Draft for another year, should sit out the 2015 season to preserve himself for the pros. However, former Buckeye running back Maurice Clarett has some advice for Elliott on that point:
Here’s the full caption to Clarett’s Instagram post:
Ignore all of this Zeke.... I’m speaking from experience. You can’t beat the machine (NFL). Go to class and focus on getting better as a ball player. Rather anyone likes it or not the system isn’t going to change. Too much money and too many lobbyist are involved. Deal with it and stay focused my man..!!!
For those that don’t remember, Clarett tried to leave Ohio State before he was eligible for the NFL Draft, and his legal challenge to the NFL’s three year rule was ultimately unsuccessful. After that, his career went off the rails, and he eventually spent three and a half years in prison for aggravated robbery. That’s not to say Elliott would be destined for the same fate if he decided to leave Columbus a year before he was draft eligible, but Clarett just wants a fellow Buckeye to avoid making the same mistakes he made.
HT: Elika Sadeghi
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