Ohio State QB Cardale Jones: Press conference 'wasn't my idea'

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones said he didn't come up with the idea to hold a news conference to announce that he will return to Ohio State next season.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones said he didn't come up with the idea to hold a news conference to announce that he will return to Ohio State next season.

On Thursday at Ginn Academy in Cleveland, after posting a message on Twitter about a soon-to-be-announced "Life changing decision," Jones said that he would remain with the Buckeyes instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.

"It was very simple for me. NFL, after three games, would be pushing it," Jones said.

The sophomore drew some criticism for the manner in which he made his announcement, but said on Friday that it wasn't his decision to hold the news conference.

• Cardale Jones says he will return to Ohio State

"One, me personally, it wasn't my idea," Jones said on ESPN radio. "You know, holding a press conference and all eyes on me and me being the center of attention -- I'm not that type of guy, period. You know, that wasn't something I put together, but I thought it wasn't a big deal."

Jones entered training camp third on Ohio State's quarterback depth chart but became the starter after Braxton Miller underwent shoulder surgery in August and J.T. Barrett fractured his ankle in a November win over Michigan.

Jones led the Buckeyes to victories over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, No. 1 Alabama in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff and No. 2 Oregon in the national championship.

Barrett told SI.com that he is returning to Ohio State next season and that he doesn't think Miller is leaving.

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