‘Not something that we want to be a part of’ – Kevin Stefanski questioned for first time regarding former Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins’ situation
NFL training camps are now underway, and that means 14 former Ohio State Buckeyes who were drafted are embarking on their first seasons. However, one former Buckeye isn’t hitting the field just yet — Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins. The Browns selected Judkins in the second round, but he remains the only player from […]
NFL training camps are now underway, and that means 14 former Ohio State Buckeyes who were drafted are embarking on their first seasons.
However, one former Buckeye isn’t hitting the field just yet — Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins. The Browns selected Judkins in the second round, but he remains the only player from that round who has not signed his rookie contract. He joins Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart as the only two draft picks league-wide still without signed deals.
The Browns are allowing Judkins to focus on his legal process following a recent arrest in Florida on a domestic violence charge.
Kevin Stefanski speaks on Judkins’ absence
As the Browns opened training camp, they did so without a player who very well could be their starting running back. Unsurprisingly, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about Judkins during his Wednesday media availability.
“This is something I take very seriously,” Stefanski said Wednesday afternoon. “We take very seriously. It’s not something that we want to be a part of. We want to be shining a light on the good things that our guys are doing in this community.”
“Having said that, I do know the league mandates a certain amount of education in all areas — certainly in this area. And we’ve decided to go above and beyond that, and we will continue to do that. If there are more ways we can reach players in any area of education, we’ll continue to look at that.”
Stefanski confirmed that fourth-year running back Jerome Ford is currently the starter as camp begins. However, he also emphasized not reading too much into early camp depth charts. Still, Judkins will not be a part of it — at least for now.
Not an ideal start for the Browns rookie
Being available at the start of training camp is critical for any rookie, and this is far from the ideal beginning for Judkins. After rushing for over 1,000 yards and helping Ohio State win a national championship last season, expectations were high when the Browns drafted him in the second round.
With Judkins sidelined, fourth-round pick and former Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson will have more opportunities to showcase his ability. There is currently no timetable for Judkins’ return, as he continues to deal with both legal issues and an unsigned contract.
‘It’s gonna be hard to do that’ – Michigan HC Sherrone Moore makes strong admission about Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith
Moore with some high praise for the Buckeye.
