Ohio State's Malik Hooker decides to enter NFL draft

Malik Hooker made his one year as a starting safety at Ohio State count.

The sophomore announced Monday he would enter the NFL draft after a season where he intercepted seven passes and earned All-America honors.

"I have talked with my family and we have decided its best for me to forgo my remaining two years of eligibility and declare for the 2017 NFL draft," Hooker wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.

Hooker did not play in his first season in Columbus and saw little playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2015. But with the departure of Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell, it opened up an opportunity for Hooker.

He took advantage. Hooker was third on the Buckeyes in tackles with 74 and returned three of his seven interceptions for touchdowns. He is expected to go early in April's draft.

UNDERCLASSMEN ENTERING THE NFL DRAFT