COLUMBUS – The pipeline from Columbus to the NFL continues to carry defensive backs in great numbers.
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Three former Buckeyes – all DB’s – were taken in the first round of the NFL’s 2017 draft in Philadelphia Thursday night: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, taken with the 11th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints; safety Malik Hooker, selected No. 15 by the Indianapolis Colts and cornerback Gareon Conley, drafted 24th by the Oakland Raiders.
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The three first-round picks ties the 2002 Miami Hurricanes who also saw three players out of their secondary chosen in the first round.
No program has developed four first-round defensive backs over two seasons or had three cornerbacks taken until Ohio State did so this year and last, when Eli Apple was selected No. 10 by the New York Giants.
Accusations of sexual assault dogged Conley all week but his attorney says Conley plans to meet with detectives and give a DNA sample to counter accusations that he raped a woman earlier this month.
Conley denies the allegations and no charges have been filed.
Conley’s attorney Kevin Spellacy told Cleveland.com that Conley will talk to police on Monday.
Conley, a two-year starter and a Buckeyes captain last season, was named in a police report that details the alleged assault on April 9 but no information has been forwarded to prosecutors.