When you hear Jeff Okudah’s name, you think about the top cornerback in college football, a top-three selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and one of the best defensive players on the field. But there’s so much more to the former Ohio State defensive back outside the sidelines.

Okudah’s time at Ohio State was productive, yet emotional. As successful as he was on the field in three seasons with the Buckeyes, he was also finding inner strength to cope with one of the most difficult situations you can imagine: losing a parent.

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Less than a week after Okudah arrived on campus in Columbus in January 2017, his mother passed away after a long battle with cancer. It was a devastating moment and an emotional time for Okudah.

Three years later, Okudah has become one of the most talked-about players available in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has a chance to hear his name called early on Thursday night, and begin a new journey at the next level.

ESPN released a video detailing Okudah’s emotional journey before he arrived in Columbus and during his time at Ohio State. It’s an amazing story, and one that will have us all rooting for the former Buckeye even more on draft night: