Baron Browning, Drue Chrisman will return to Ohio State next season

Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning and punter Drue Chrisman announced Thursday they would return for their senior seasons.

Browning was one of the most improved players on the Buckeyes’ defense this year. A five-star recruit from Fort Worth, Texas, Browning struggled his first two seasons. But he blossomed under new position coach Al Washington.

The junior finished with 43 tackles. Despite missing two games to injury and sharing time with Tuf Borland, Browning ranked fourth on the team in tackles for losses with 10 and was third in sacks with five.

“Thank you for your support over the last few years,” Browning wrote on Twitter. “WE have shared many great moments, but there is more work to be done.

“I cannot wait to get back to work and grind with my brothers, every day, until we reach our goal.

“I want to also thank my family, coaching staff, and the brotherhood for building me into the person and player I am today.”

Both Browning and Chrisman earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.

A native of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Chrisman has graduated with a degree in family resource management.

“After thoughtful prayer and consideration about declaring for the 2020 NFL draft, I’ll keep it short and sweet for you,” Chrisman wrote on Twitter. “Buckeye Nation, I’m not going anywhere! Excited for one more year of flipping the field in front of the best fans in the country.”

Chrisman averaged 44.3 yards per punt this season. Fifteen of his kicks went for at least 50 yards. Eighteen were downed inside the 20, with eight touchbacks.

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Year 4 pic.twitter.com/JwC1yrc4lS

— Baron Browning (@baronbrwnng) January 2, 2020

Unfinished business... #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/WgqDqnXgqE

— Drue Chrisman (@DChrisman91) January 2, 2020

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