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JEFFREY OKUDAH'S ROSE BOWL PERFORMANCE PREVIEWS SEEMINGLY INEVITABLE BREAKOUT SEASON
Colin Hass-Hill on January 31, 2019 at 11:13 am @chasshill
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
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The day Jeffrey Okudah committed to Ohio State at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he penned a touching letter in the Players' Tribune to mother, thanking her for supporting him throughout his entire life and amid the craziness that comes with being a five-star recruit.
In the second sentence, Okudah proudly announced on Jan. 7, 2017 that he would be a Buckeye for the next four years. If he consistently replicates his performance in the Rose Bowl during the 2019 season, he'll likely have a chance to head to the NFL after just three seasons in scarlet and gray.
Okudah – along with NFL-bound Kendall Sheffield – had arguably his best game against Washington. He tied his career highs in tackles (five) and pass deflections (two) to cap off a successful sophomore season. Multiple times in the Rose Bowl, Okudah accelerated to knock down a Jake Browning-thrown ball just in time, allowing only a few catches for minimal yardage.
"I just think it's part of being in my little skill set to being a twitchy cornerback," Okudah said after the Rose Bowl. "Watch a lot of film, you kind of have an idea where the ball's going which gives you the ability to react just that much faster.
RELATED Jim Tressel Shares His Advice for New Ohio State Administrator Urban Meyer, Head Coach Ryan Day
In the locker room after the game, Okudah said he thought the performance was his best in two years at Ohio State, though he still felt he left some plays on the field.
"I want to say yeah, but at the same time, I didn't make those special teams plays that I like to make," Okudah said.
Along with Terry McLaurin, Okudah became one of the Buckeyes' top gunners on the punt and kickoff teams this season. Urban Meyer said he played at an “elite, elite level” following the win against Penn State, when he had three tackles on punts from Drue Chrisman and was the first player down the field on every kickoff.
Okudah didn't take the journey from Grand Prairie, Texas, to Columbus to develop into a premier special teams player, though, no matter how fond of the unit he has become. He committed to Ohio State to play for Kerry Coombs' unit, hoping to develop into a high-level cornerback who will eventually live out his dreams in the NFL.
Coombs left for the a job under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, but Okudah remains, and in the Rose Bowl he looked every bit like the future All-American many thought he had the potential to become. In high school, he was the No. 8 overall prospect in the country and the top-rated cornerback in his class, one spot above his college teammate, Shaun Wade.
During Okudah's freshman season, Ohio State rotated Denzel Ward, Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield at cornerback. When Ward opted not to play in the Cotton Bowl, Okudah – who had impressed teammates during bowl practices – entered the rotation for one game and played well.
In the fall, his second year on campus, Okudah earned a full-time spot in the rotation with Ward gone to the NFL. He had his struggles at times, as did most players on the defense, but ended his sophomore campaign with the best game of his career.
"I think I've taken a big step mentally. Lot of confidence," Okudah said. "Whenever a guy catches a ball, I don't get too down on myself. It's part of the game – we play a lot of great players. So just having the confidence out there every single play is healthy. Make plays. I don't really second-guess myself."
Okudah's third year at Ohio State has the potential to be his last. ......................
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...xY55D89HvO6OmB--5unl11uA4rL068WrjkYLDpuE0b4RU
Colin Hass-Hill on January 31, 2019 at 11:13 am @chasshill
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Email this ArticleShare on RedditShare on TwitterShare on Facebook149
15 COMMENTS
The day Jeffrey Okudah committed to Ohio State at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he penned a touching letter in the Players' Tribune to mother, thanking her for supporting him throughout his entire life and amid the craziness that comes with being a five-star recruit.
In the second sentence, Okudah proudly announced on Jan. 7, 2017 that he would be a Buckeye for the next four years. If he consistently replicates his performance in the Rose Bowl during the 2019 season, he'll likely have a chance to head to the NFL after just three seasons in scarlet and gray.
Okudah – along with NFL-bound Kendall Sheffield – had arguably his best game against Washington. He tied his career highs in tackles (five) and pass deflections (two) to cap off a successful sophomore season. Multiple times in the Rose Bowl, Okudah accelerated to knock down a Jake Browning-thrown ball just in time, allowing only a few catches for minimal yardage.
"I just think it's part of being in my little skill set to being a twitchy cornerback," Okudah said after the Rose Bowl. "Watch a lot of film, you kind of have an idea where the ball's going which gives you the ability to react just that much faster.
RELATED Jim Tressel Shares His Advice for New Ohio State Administrator Urban Meyer, Head Coach Ryan Day
In the locker room after the game, Okudah said he thought the performance was his best in two years at Ohio State, though he still felt he left some plays on the field.
"I want to say yeah, but at the same time, I didn't make those special teams plays that I like to make," Okudah said.
Along with Terry McLaurin, Okudah became one of the Buckeyes' top gunners on the punt and kickoff teams this season. Urban Meyer said he played at an “elite, elite level” following the win against Penn State, when he had three tackles on punts from Drue Chrisman and was the first player down the field on every kickoff.
Okudah didn't take the journey from Grand Prairie, Texas, to Columbus to develop into a premier special teams player, though, no matter how fond of the unit he has become. He committed to Ohio State to play for Kerry Coombs' unit, hoping to develop into a high-level cornerback who will eventually live out his dreams in the NFL.
Coombs left for the a job under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, but Okudah remains, and in the Rose Bowl he looked every bit like the future All-American many thought he had the potential to become. In high school, he was the No. 8 overall prospect in the country and the top-rated cornerback in his class, one spot above his college teammate, Shaun Wade.
During Okudah's freshman season, Ohio State rotated Denzel Ward, Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield at cornerback. When Ward opted not to play in the Cotton Bowl, Okudah – who had impressed teammates during bowl practices – entered the rotation for one game and played well.
In the fall, his second year on campus, Okudah earned a full-time spot in the rotation with Ward gone to the NFL. He had his struggles at times, as did most players on the defense, but ended his sophomore campaign with the best game of his career.
"I think I've taken a big step mentally. Lot of confidence," Okudah said. "Whenever a guy catches a ball, I don't get too down on myself. It's part of the game – we play a lot of great players. So just having the confidence out there every single play is healthy. Make plays. I don't really second-guess myself."
Okudah's third year at Ohio State has the potential to be his last. ......................
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...xY55D89HvO6OmB--5unl11uA4rL068WrjkYLDpuE0b4RU
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BuckeyeBiz
All-American
Rewatched the final 3 game stretch of the season and I was very impressed with Okudah’s play. Good cover skills and phenomenal closing speed. Hopefully picks up a nose for the ball to improve on a low TO performance from our 2018 secondary. Wade and White were also playing like studs to close out the season. Wade can absolutely lay the wood and White seems to always be in position to make a play on the ball. With Fuller back our 2019 secondary should be a dramatically improved unit.
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You could definitely see that light coming on for Okudah. Really exciting to potentially have another lockdown corner stepping up for next season.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
SKULL SESSION: CHASE YOUNG AND JEFFREY OKUDAH ARE POTENTIAL TOP-10 PICKS, WHAT IF OHIO STATE BEAT MICHIGAN STATE IN 1998, AND BUCKEYES CRACK THE NATION'S TOP-100
TOP-10 PICKS. Ohio State's had at least two top-15 picks in the NFL Draft three of the past four years, and there's a solid chance it happens again this year.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated put together his ungodly early 2020 mock draft for the top-10 picks, and both Chase Young and Jeffrey Okudah crack the list.
8. New York Jets (+5000): Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Okudah’s been up-and-down, but finished his sophomore season strong, and has shown his toughness and competitiveness on special teams throughout his time in Columbus. He has the talent to go this high. I’m betting here on ex-Niners secondary coach Jeff Hafley (now the Buckeyes DC) to help him put it all together, and sneak past LSU’s Kristian Fulton and Alabama’s Trevon Diggs to be the first corner taken.
Man, if you would have told me two years ago that Chase Young and Jeffrey Okudah would be top-10 NFL Draft picks after just three seasons at Ohio State, I would have... Absolutely believed you.
The No. 7 and No. 8 overall prospects coming out of high school are now projected top-10 picks. Crazy.
Finding a diamond in the rough is awesome, and guys like Darron Lee, Pat Elflein and Michael Thomas are incredible stories, but sometimes finding and evaluating elite talent really is that obvious.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...-harrison-top-100-players-michigan-state-1998
TOP-10 PICKS. Ohio State's had at least two top-15 picks in the NFL Draft three of the past four years, and there's a solid chance it happens again this year.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated put together his ungodly early 2020 mock draft for the top-10 picks, and both Chase Young and Jeffrey Okudah crack the list.
8. New York Jets (+5000): Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Okudah’s been up-and-down, but finished his sophomore season strong, and has shown his toughness and competitiveness on special teams throughout his time in Columbus. He has the talent to go this high. I’m betting here on ex-Niners secondary coach Jeff Hafley (now the Buckeyes DC) to help him put it all together, and sneak past LSU’s Kristian Fulton and Alabama’s Trevon Diggs to be the first corner taken.
Man, if you would have told me two years ago that Chase Young and Jeffrey Okudah would be top-10 NFL Draft picks after just three seasons at Ohio State, I would have... Absolutely believed you.
The No. 7 and No. 8 overall prospects coming out of high school are now projected top-10 picks. Crazy.
Finding a diamond in the rough is awesome, and guys like Darron Lee, Pat Elflein and Michael Thomas are incredible stories, but sometimes finding and evaluating elite talent really is that obvious.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...-harrison-top-100-players-michigan-state-1998
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Ranking Ohio State’s Playmakers on Defense: No. 6 — Jeff Okudah
The No. 6 player on our list was the top cornerback in the 2017 recruiting class and is coming off of his first year in the rotation as a de facto starter at cornerback for the Buckeyes.
No. 6 — Jeff Okudah, Junior Cornerback
As a recruit in 2016, Jeff Okudah was a top 10 player overall and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2017 class.
When he arrived at Ohio State in 2017, he found himself on the depth chart behind Denzel Ward, Kendall Sheffield, and Damon Arnette.
Okudah was also part of a 5-man cornerback class for the Buckeyes. He was joined by the junior college transfer Sheffield, as well as Shaun Wade, Marcus Williamson, and Amir Riep.
Okudah enrolled early and got his feet wet. He played here and there as a true freshman, but was finally thrust into the 3-man starting rotation when Ward decided to sit out the Cotton Bowl against USC.
Facing the Trojans and Top 10 NFL QB prospect Sam Darnold, Okudah posted a season-best four tackles and comported himself quite well.
Last season, sharing the rotation with Sheffield and Arnette, Okudah finished with a team-high eight PBUs.
He also finished with 34 tackles, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten notice from the conference’s head coaches.
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2019/07/ranking-ohio-state-playmakers-jeff-okudah/
The No. 6 player on our list was the top cornerback in the 2017 recruiting class and is coming off of his first year in the rotation as a de facto starter at cornerback for the Buckeyes.
No. 6 — Jeff Okudah, Junior Cornerback
As a recruit in 2016, Jeff Okudah was a top 10 player overall and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2017 class.
When he arrived at Ohio State in 2017, he found himself on the depth chart behind Denzel Ward, Kendall Sheffield, and Damon Arnette.
Okudah was also part of a 5-man cornerback class for the Buckeyes. He was joined by the junior college transfer Sheffield, as well as Shaun Wade, Marcus Williamson, and Amir Riep.
Okudah enrolled early and got his feet wet. He played here and there as a true freshman, but was finally thrust into the 3-man starting rotation when Ward decided to sit out the Cotton Bowl against USC.
Facing the Trojans and Top 10 NFL QB prospect Sam Darnold, Okudah posted a season-best four tackles and comported himself quite well.
Last season, sharing the rotation with Sheffield and Arnette, Okudah finished with a team-high eight PBUs.
He also finished with 34 tackles, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten notice from the conference’s head coaches.
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2019/07/ranking-ohio-state-playmakers-jeff-okudah/
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
SKULL SESSION: LINCOLN RILEY'S ADVICE TO RYAN DAY, JEFFREY OKUDAH HYPE, AND TEXAS SLANDER
OKUDAH HYPE. One of my favorite things about Ohio State is when players are projected first round picks before they were even technically like, starters.
That's how it was with Nick Bosa ahead of last season, and now the NFL folks have found out about Jeffrey Okudah, as well.
That's fantastic news. It truly has been far too many years since Ohio State had a defensive back selected in the first round.
Okudah and Chase Young were the two highest-rated players in Ohio State's 2017 class, and it's looking like there's a solid chance they could both go top-five next year's NFL Draft. I guess sometimes, talent is really just that obvious from the start.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...fl-draft-hype-texas-recruiting-demetrius-knox
OKUDAH HYPE. One of my favorite things about Ohio State is when players are projected first round picks before they were even technically like, starters.
That's how it was with Nick Bosa ahead of last season, and now the NFL folks have found out about Jeffrey Okudah, as well.
That's fantastic news. It truly has been far too many years since Ohio State had a defensive back selected in the first round.
Okudah and Chase Young were the two highest-rated players in Ohio State's 2017 class, and it's looking like there's a solid chance they could both go top-five next year's NFL Draft. I guess sometimes, talent is really just that obvious from the start.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...fl-draft-hype-texas-recruiting-demetrius-knox
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Jeffrey Okudah Will Be The Heart Of BIA This Season
byBrandon Little22 hrs-edited
Jeffrey Okudah is on pace to take a big jump as a junior, it should be a joy to watch for Buckeye fans.
If you watch Ohio State football, you know the name Jeffrey Okudah, I’m sure.
The Texas native is a junior in Columbus, that is expected to make a jump this season. Given that it will be his first season as a full time starter.
The last couple of years, Okudah has made his impact as depth, most of the time. As a sophomore, the quick Buckeye made some solid plays, and showed his upside from the position.
Racking up 32 tackles and eight pass breakups as a sophomore, Okudah played exceptional, but will definitely improve.
The first day of camp, Jeffery Okudah told reporters he thinks his career is a lot like Buckeye Alum and current Cleveland Brown Denzel Ward’s career. Ward made a splash after a couple years, and ended up being a top-five pick.
Not to say that Okudah will do the same, but the comparison should definitely be given attention. Similar physical traits such as blazing speed and the ball skills are there.
Ohio State secondary year in and year out are known as BIA. BIA stands for Best In America, and well, that was usually the case. Last season the secondary certainly didn’t play their best, and they know that.
With coaching changes, it’s believed that should help at least in the slightest. Also, many players seem to be coming with a chip on their shoulder, to return to that stature of BIA.
Okudah was a five star, top 10 player in the country coming out of high school. This season, he has a real chance to show why, and to make himself into a first round pick.
Expect a big season from the rising junior, as well as the rest of the BIA secondary.
https://collegesportsmaven.io/ohios...6yoiV_w9FOtW5TNpwBnH2EhySoiCm2UOjLWTqtEXOYjUo
byBrandon Little22 hrs-edited
Jeffrey Okudah is on pace to take a big jump as a junior, it should be a joy to watch for Buckeye fans.
If you watch Ohio State football, you know the name Jeffrey Okudah, I’m sure.
The Texas native is a junior in Columbus, that is expected to make a jump this season. Given that it will be his first season as a full time starter.
The last couple of years, Okudah has made his impact as depth, most of the time. As a sophomore, the quick Buckeye made some solid plays, and showed his upside from the position.
Racking up 32 tackles and eight pass breakups as a sophomore, Okudah played exceptional, but will definitely improve.
The first day of camp, Jeffery Okudah told reporters he thinks his career is a lot like Buckeye Alum and current Cleveland Brown Denzel Ward’s career. Ward made a splash after a couple years, and ended up being a top-five pick.
Not to say that Okudah will do the same, but the comparison should definitely be given attention. Similar physical traits such as blazing speed and the ball skills are there.
Ohio State secondary year in and year out are known as BIA. BIA stands for Best In America, and well, that was usually the case. Last season the secondary certainly didn’t play their best, and they know that.
With coaching changes, it’s believed that should help at least in the slightest. Also, many players seem to be coming with a chip on their shoulder, to return to that stature of BIA.
Okudah was a five star, top 10 player in the country coming out of high school. This season, he has a real chance to show why, and to make himself into a first round pick.
Expect a big season from the rising junior, as well as the rest of the BIA secondary.
https://collegesportsmaven.io/ohios...6yoiV_w9FOtW5TNpwBnH2EhySoiCm2UOjLWTqtEXOYjUo
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Week 1 Defensive MVP: Jeff Okudah
6 tackles (4 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 PBU, 1 forced fumble
Entire article: https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2019/9/1/20842946/ohio-state-justin-fields-jeff-okudah-week-1-mvps
6 tackles (4 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 PBU, 1 forced fumble
Entire article: https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2019/9/1/20842946/ohio-state-justin-fields-jeff-okudah-week-1-mvps
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