Malik Hooker made a habit of returning in 2016.

On Saturday, the Ohio State safety returned his third interception for a touchdown in 2016. In his first year as a starter, Hooker leads the B1G with six interceptions. Those numbers helped the third-year defensive back rise into the first round of draft boards.

But Hooker said that he doesn’t plan on testing the draft waters yet.

“Right now it’s 100 percent sure I’m coming back to Ohio State,” Hooker said to the Columbus Dispatch.

That would be a major bonus for an OSU defense that’s as young as any group in the country. Hooker could always change his mind as his stock continues to rise, potentially with a big performance in a College Football Playoff game.

For now, that’s a strong vote of confidence from someone who has been a huge part of OSU’s 11-1 season.