Another Ohio State defensive back is leaving early for the NFL
On Monday, Malik Hooker made the inevitable announcement that he’s off to the NFL.
A day later, one of his Ohio State teammates followed in his footsteps.
Junior cornerback Gareon Conley announced via Instagram that he’s also leaving Columbus early for the NFL draft:
Conley’s announcement shouldn’t come as a major surprise. The ball-hawking cornerback was one of the top cornerbacks in the country in 2016.
The Buckeyes’ lone returning defensive back starter was second on the team in passes defended (12) and pass breakups (8). He also had four interceptions.
Conley was a key veteran on one of the top pass defenses in the country. The Buckeyes ranked seventh against the pass and third in scoring.
The Buckeyes replaced three of their starting four defensive backs last year because of early NFL departures. It appears they could be on their way to matching that number again in 2017.