Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple has announced that he is making himself eligible for the 2016 NFL Draft. Apple, a Voorhees, N.J., native who redshirted his first year in Columbus in 2013, recorded 114 tackles (9.5 for loss), 18 pass break-ups, and four interceptions in his two seasons as a starter, playing in all 28 games (starting 27) for the Buckeyes over that span.
Apple's departure is another blow to Ohio State's secondary, which could very well lose three starters. Fourth-year junior safety Tyvis Powell declared for the NFL on Sunday, and junior safety Vonn Bell, a probable first-round pick, is expected to leave.