Josh Proctor Reveals How Ohio State Got Him Ready for NFL

Safety Josh Proctor spent six seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, a longer-than-usual career which he says prepared him for the grind of the NFL.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor understands the physical tolls of playing in the National Football League (NFL).

Proctor came to the Buckeyes in 2018, playing his final season with the team in 2023. The draft prospect told reporters at the NFL Combine that his longer-than-usual college career prepared him for the stresses of a professional season.

"It helped me mature," Proctor said. "Helped me learn, helped me grow in different aspects in life. So honestly, it's just a great opportunity to be a better person, a better player at the end of the day."

Back at the beginning of his career, Proctor believed his time with Ohio State would last just three seasons. However, wanting to end on a high note after a series of injuries encouraged Proctor to stay with the Buckeyes.

"My whole thought process coming out of high school was three-and-done," Proctor said. "And that's everybody's plan coming out of high school. But you never know what's going to happen."

Proctor recorded 112 tackles over his six years with the Buckeyes, posting a career-high 47 tackles last season. The Oklahoma native also managed to score a defensive touchdown in 2023, returning an interception 24 yards to the endzone on October 7 against the Maryland Terrapins.

Aside from preparing him for the length of an NFL season, Proctor said he is beyond eager to begin a professional career which he thought should have happened by now. Proctor said he believes people will doubt him due to the time it took for him to get to the NFL, and wants to prove them wrong.

"I feel like I'm doubted a little bit, honestly," Proctor said. "So I'm coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I just want to come out here and prove what I can do.