BTN.com staff, January 4, 2014

(AP) Ohio State junior linebacker Ryan Shazier has decided to give up his senior season to make himself available for the NFL draft. In a statement released by Ohio State, the first-team All-American said he just felt that this was "the perfect time" for him to move on.

A 6-foot-2, 230-pounder from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he led the Buckeyes in tackles each of the last two seasons. His 143 tackles this season rank sixth nationally and in a tie for 13th on the Ohio State single-season charts.

His 22.5 tackles for a loss this year rank third nationally.

The Buckeyes won 24 games in a row the last two seasons before losing to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game and to Clemson in the Orange Bowl on Friday night.

 Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports