Ohio State Football: Okudah proved that OSU is DBU

Another Ohio State football player declared for the NFL Draft as cornerback Jeffrey Okudah announced his decision on Wednesday.

Two days after running back J.K. Dobbins declared for the NFL Draft, cornerback for the Ohio State football team Jeffrey Okudah announced his declaration for the NFL Draft on Wednesday.

This comes after the team lost a heart-breaker in the College Football Playoff to Clemson, ending a magical season for the Buckeyes.

This is what Okudah wrote in his announcement on Twitter.

"“As I embark on the next part of my journey, I leave feeling like there was still more to be accomplished by this team. However, I also leave knowing that the competitive excellence that makes Ohio State the best university in the country has been in place long before I arrived and will continue long after I leave.”"

We all wish this season would have ended differently, and it could have if some calls went the Buckeyes’ way against Clemson. We will, however, forever be indebted to Okudah and the heart he gave when playing for OSU.

After playing in nine games as a freshman, Okudah has been one of the best cornerbacks in the country the past two seasons. That was especially the case this season as he locked down every receiver he faced, intercepting three passes in the process. This ultimately led to him earning First Team All-Big Ten honors this year and unanimous All-American honors.

Going into the draft, Okudah is the No. 5 overall player on ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s latest Big Board and the No. 1 cornerback.

Back in October, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller said that Okudah is the top cornerback talent since three-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey.

This is what Miller reported about Okudah.

"“What makes Okudah so special? It’s partially his athleticism and size, both of which are ideal for an outside cornerback who plays in man coverage. But one Ohio State staffer said he’s “the most mature and self-motivated cornerback out of the recent ones” they’ve had. Mature and self-motivated are two words not often used to describe cornerbacks, who can be high-maintenance and attention-seeking.”"

Ohio State seems to have top-rated defensive backs selected in the NFL Draft each and every year. Guys like Denzel Ward, Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore, and Bradley Roby all proved that Ohio State knows how to develop defensive backs, but Okudah proved that Ohio State is the true DBU.

It has been a pleasure watching Okudah lock down receivers over the years. Now, I can’t wait to see him go against some of the most athletic guys in the world like Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, and others. Thank you, Jeff. You’re a generational talent.