Dec 30, 2015 03:11 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Cardale Jones' first NFL Draft declaration seemed to be an unplanned emotional response, but the Ohio State quarterback affirmed his decision.

According to ESPN, Jones stated his intention to declare for the NFL Draft after Ohio State's Fiesta Bowl game against Notre Dame. He said he is close to graduating, which was why he returned to Ohio State last year, and does not need another full year of school to do so.

"No, I don't want to be a 24-year-old college student," Jones told reporters Wednesday during a media session. "I have one more semester of school left and that was my whole focus of coming back to OSU, getting closer to my degree. Two classes are not going to influence my decision of coming back to college.

"My loyalty, my heart is at Ohio State. I would come back and sit another year before I would transfer to any school. So no, I don't want to go anywhere but Ohio State."

Jones' graduation would make him eligible to transfer and play right away, but even when he announced his return to Columbus last year he seemed like his mind was set on playing one more season of college football.

Then after Ohio State lost to Michigan State on the last home game of the season, Jones tweeted it was his "Last time walking down them steps and into The Shoe." Unless he plays against Notre Dame, Jones ends an impressive, if also strange collegiate career.

His first three starts were in last season's Big Ten Championship game, the CFP semifinal, and the National Championship, all of which were wins. This year he won the starting QB job out of camp, but lost it to J.T. Barrett.

Even still, in three seasons at Ohio State, Jones never saw any playing time in games the Buckeyes lost. His lack of progression this season and bouncing on and off the bench make his draft stock unclear, but his size and arm strength give him nice upside.

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