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Ohio State safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates his interception against Clemson with teammate Marshon Lattimore (2) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.
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OSU's Lattimore declares for draft

ASSOCIATED PRESS

OSU's Lattimore declares for draft

Sixth player to leave school early

COLUMBUS — Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore has declared for the National Football League draft, making him the third starting Buckeyes defensive back to leave school early.

Lattimore announced his decision today on social media.

“It's bigger than me. I have a chance to compete at the highest level, and in the midst, change my family's lives as well as mine also,” Lattimore tweeted. “With that being said, I've decided to enter the 2017 NFL draft. My family and I believe this is the best decision for me.”

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Following two seasons of injury issues, the Cleveland native had a breakout season as a redshirt sophomore. The 6-foot, 192-pound Lattimore excelled in Ohio State's aggressive press coverage scheme, leading the team with 13 pass defenses, tying for the team lead with nine break-ups, and also intercepting four passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Along with fellow cornerback Gareon Conley, Lattimore was a crucial part of a defense that finished third in the country in points allowed.

Lattimore becomes the sixth Ohio State player to leave school early, joining Conley, safety Malik Hooker, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, wide receiver Noah Brown, and H-back Curtis Samuel.

Of all Ohio State players who were eligible, Lattimore's draft prospects are the highest. One ESPN projection had Lattimore as the fifth player selected in the NFL draft.

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First Published January 11, 2017, 6:17 p.m.

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Ohio State safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates his interception against Clemson with teammate Marshon Lattimore (2) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.  (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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