Maurice Clarett advises Ezekiel Elliott to stay in school

Maurice Clarett has some advice for Ezekiel Elliott: stay in school, don’t be a fool.

Clarett posted on Instagram Wednesday to advise Elliott in response to articles advocating for the star Ohio State running back to sit out the season or to try going pro now.

Recall that after encountering trouble at Ohio State, Clarett sued to gain entrance into the NFL draft after his second year removed from high school. The NFL denied the request, leading him to wait the customary third year. By that point his career was in shambles and he was lucky to be selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round, but he was so out of shape, his career went nowhere.

Clarett posted a screenshot of an article titled “Let College Football Playoff Star Ezekiell Elliott Go Pro” and added this commentary:

“Ignore all of this Zeke…. I’m speaking from experience. You can’t beat the machine (NFL). Go to class and focus on getting better as a ball player. Rather anyone likes it or not the system isn’t going to change. Too much money and too many lobbyist are involved. Deal with it and stay focused my man..!!!”

Elliott finished his sophomore season with 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, including 696 yards and eight touchdowns over his final three games — all of which came against the best competition. Though many are fearful of Elliott getting injured and view his junior season as nothing more than a risk, I feel otherwise. He is a football player and he is meant to play. You sit out a season and it can change you just the same way an injury can.