Linebacker Baker opts for NFL draft

Ohio State junior linebacker Jerome Baker announced via social media on Monday that he is applying for the NFL draft.

He became the third high-profile member of the defense to opt to leave with one year of eligibility remaining, joining cornerback Denzel Ward and defensive end Sam Hubbard.

“After a considerable amount of time and endless conversations with my loved ones, I have decided to forgo my senior year at The Ohio State University to pursue my childhood dream of playing professional football,” Baker wrote on Twitter.

He thanked all who have had impact on his life and his playing career to date.

“It has been an honor to be able to participate in the Ohio State football program, and I am so grateful for the experience,” Baker wrote.

Over the past several months, he has been projected to be selected anywhere from the mid-first round to second round.

The Buckeyes will look for two new starters at linebacker in the spring, with senior Chris Worley also gone from the 2017 defense. The lone returning starter from the Cotton Bowl is middle linebacker Tuf Borland.

Grinch joins OSU staff

Grove City native Alex Grinch, who was defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past three seasons at Washington State, is being added to the Ohio State football coaching staff, coach Urban Meyer confirmed on Monday.

The role and title for Grinch, 37, will be announced later, an Ohio State news release said, but he is expected to be added to the defensive side under coordinator Greg Schiano. The NCAA has allowed Football Bowl Subdivision teams to add a 10th full-time assistant starting Tuesday. Grinch likely will become the fifth assistant on the OSU defense, matching the five on the offensive side.