Justin Fields declares for NFL draft

Justin Fields has declared for the NFL draft. The quarterback from Harrison High and Ohio State University, by way of the University of Georgia, made the expected announcement on social media Monday.

“Growing up, my dream was to one day play the game that I love at the highest level,” Fields wrote as part of his statement. “Now thanks to God’s grace and mercy, along with the help of you all, I am in position to turn that dream into reality. And for that reason, I am forgoing my senior year and declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

Fields is expected to be one of the top picks at the draft in April.

Fields went to Ohio State following the 2018 season after a transfer from Georgia. He appealed for and was granted immediate eligibility.

In two seasons at Ohio State, Fields led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoffs twice. He was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019.

In three seasons, Fields was 423-of-618 for 5,701 yards with 67 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. He also rushed 260 times for 1,133 yards and 19 touchdowns. Fields was a Heisman finalist when he threw for 3,273 yards with 41 touchdowns and three interceptions and rushed 137 times for 484 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019.

Ohio State lost to Alabama, 52-24, in the national championship game this season after defeating Clemson, 49-28, in the semifinals. Ohio State lost to Clemson, 29-23, in the semifinals the previous season.