Cardale Jones returning to Ohio State

Cardale Jones announced on Thursday that he will return to Ohio State next season.

In what was an incredibly bizarre turn of events, Jones held a press conference at his high school, Ginn Academy, to inform the public that he will be continuing his education. He also said he does not expect to be given the starting quarterback job just because of his magical three-game run.

“I want to go back to school and compete for the spot,” Jones said. “I don’t want anything given to me.”

Jones then seemed to indicate that the press conference was not his idea.

“I dont know why you guys made such a big deal,” he said. “This was a very simple decision for me.”

Jones sent a tweet earlier in the day that made it seem like he was going to declare for the NFL Draft, referring to his impending announcement as a “life-changing decision.” And then there was this as he entered the gym at Ginn Academy:

Good for Jones. Although he could have been drafted anywhere as high as the first round and been the third quarterback selected, he repeatedly said Thursday that his main priority is his education. That’s a big change from the infamous remark he made on Twitter two years ago.

Jones also said he wants to be a financial planner after he is done playing football.

Again, we don’t blame Jones for wanting to further his education. But holding a press conference to announce he will return to Ohio State — at his high school, of all places — was downright weird.