Bennett played in 49 games over four seasons for the Buckeyes and finished his college career with 110 tackles, 31 1/2 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed defensive tackle Michael Bennett to a rookie contract on Friday.
Bennett, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, became the fifth of the Jaguars’ eight picks this year to sign with the team.
“I can say I’m officially an NFL football player, and I’m in the right place for it,” Bennett said. “I still have a lot to do and a lot to grow with. I’m happier than I can remember, and I’m in the right place, so I’m just excited for the future. … Now it’s time to prove yourself on the field.”
Bennett played in 49 games over four seasons for the Buckeyes and finished his college career with 110 tackles, 31 1/2 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.
As a senior during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff national championship season in 2014, Bennett collected 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles.
Bennett is expected to be pressed into service right away because Jaguars starting defensive tackles Roy Miller and Sen’Derrick Marks are recovering from knee surgery. Miller had torn cartilage and Marks suffered a torn ligament.
First-round defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., fourth-round safety James Sample, seventh-round wide receiver Neal Sterling and seventh-round tight end Ben Koyack signed with the Jaguars earlier in the week.
Still unsigned are running back T.J. Yeldon (second round), guard A.J. Cann (third round) and wide receiver Rashad Greene (fifth round).
