Ohio State defensive end Jonathon Cooper, who has been limited to just three games this season, will take a redshirt year and return to the Buckeyes for a fifth season in 2020, the school announced Saturday.
A senior team captain, Cooper has played against only Nebraska, Northwestern and Rutgers because of an ankle injury. He has just three tackles this season.
His return next year will bolster the Buckeyes’ defense, especially if defensive end Chase Young leaves Ohio State for the NFL draft, where he is projected to be a high first-round draft pick.