LEADERS OF URBAN DESIGN: Terrelle Pryor is leaving Ohio State

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor will not return for his senior season in Columbus, and will pursue a possible career in professional football as early as this season according to multiple reports.

"In the best interest of my teammates, I have decided to forego my senior year of football at the Ohio State University," Pryor's lawyer Larry James said, reading a statement on behalf of his client, according to a report by The Plain Dealer. Pryor is reported to have been weighing on this decision for the past few days.

Pryor was recently connected to possible violations at Ohio State related to used cars he had been spotted driving around campus, as well as an NCAA investigation regarding the selling of memorabilia for cash, a violation that was covered up by former Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel. Tressel, who hid the information from Ohio State's compliance office, athletics director Gene Smith, president Gordon Gee and the NCAA, resigned from his position last week. Pryor was to serve a five-game suspension to start the 2011 season but was allowed to play in Ohio State's Sugar Bowl victory over Arkansas.

"We've talked about the emotional roller coaster that he is going through," James told The Plain Dealer, "and even if he was cleared 100 percent it was going to be difficult."

Pryor's playing days at the college level may not be 100% complete yet. With one year of eligibility remaining under NCAA rules Pryor could play one more season at the college level. If he wants to play this season, following his mandated suspension, he would need to transfer to an FCS, Division 2 or Division 3 program. Otherwise he would have to sit out the entire season in 2011 and return in 2012 somewhere else.