- With both Ohio State starting cornerbacks being drafted in the first round last April, it became Denzel Ward’s time to shine in 2017, and he’s been up to the task so far this season. The speedster has been targeted 22 times through four games, allowing only seven receptions (31.8 percent), while getting his hands on the same number of passes with an interception and six pass breakups.
- Ward has track speed in a straight-line, but unlike many straight-line athletes, he has the agility to stick with shiftier receivers. That versatility gives Ward potential both on the outside and in the slot at the next level.
- Last season, Ward allowed a passer rating of only 55.4 on throws into his coverage, a number that has improved to 40.9 this year. At 5-foot-10, 191-pounds, Ward will always have to prove himself against bigger receivers and that’s something to keep an eye on as the Big Ten slate unfolds.
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