LOS ANGELES – Denzel Ward made the decision to sit out last year’s Cotton Bowl.
He wanted to preserve his health, for an injury would have been the only deterrent from him becoming a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His teammates supported him. His coaches supported him. His family supported him. The majority of the fan base supported him, though a certain sector did not like the decision. Everything worked out. The Buckeyes won and he became the No. 4 overall selection in the draft.
Months ago, Nick Bosa chose to rehabilitate his core muscle injury with a focus toward the NFL instead of attempting to return for the tail end of this season.