Cornerback Denzel Ward followed the typical path for most Ohio State football players at his position under Urban Meyer. Waiting and developing behind future first-round NFL draft picks.
His time spent waiting paid off. Ward started to shine in 2016 playing alongside Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore finishing with 23 tackles in a backup role.
He really blossomed in 2017 while taking over as leader of the Buckeyes’ secondary. Ward finished with 37 tackles and two interceptions earning him first-team All-Big Ten and first-team AP All-American.
Ward did not play in Ohio State’s bowl game against USC which is the newest trend among players with first-round potential.