Ohio State RB 'Beanie' Wells to enter NFL draft

Jan 8, 2009 - 9:06 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- As expected, Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells announced on Thursday he will forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

One of the top running backs in the nation, Wells entered the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate after running for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The 6-1, 237-pounder was slowed by injuries this season, something that may hurt his draft stock. Wells ran for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games.

He ran for 106 yards on 16 carries in Monday's 24-21 loss to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl, but missed most of the second half with a concussion.

"This has been a difficult decision, but in the best interest of my family, I have decided to enter my name into the 2009 National Football League draft," Wells said in a statement.

Wells rushed for 3,382 yards, fourth best in Ohio State history, and 30 touchdowns in three seasons.

"Ohio State football will miss Beanie's big runs, but we will also miss his big smile," Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said.

Wells ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns in three career games against Ohio State's archrival Michigan.

"He has been a tremendous teammate and one of the all-time great performers in the greatest rivalry in college football," Tressel said. "He will always be an ambassador for Ohio State and all of us wish him well."