Ohio State's starting secondary is going to look much different by the time next season rolls around.
Marshon Lattimore became the third starting defensive back to forgo his remaining eligibility with the Buckeyes and declare for the NFL Draft.
Lattimore announced in a Twitter post Wednesday his decision to join the professional ranks.
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"Being a kid from the inner city motivated me to become the best player I could be," Lattimore wrote. "It also helped me deal with the adversity and challenges I've dealt with during my time at Ohio State because I've been going through rough times all of my life. I knew this road wouldn't be easy, but I knew not to give up because I knew where I came from and knew where I was trying to go. But not just for the sake of me but for the sake of my family, 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. 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.
"It was a tough decision being that I had a very short playing career as a Buckeye, but I know that I've been a part of a very strong brotherhood for the three years. I've grown to love Buckeye Nation, you all have been there for us through thick and thin. I appreciated Buckeye Nation for that. Being a part of the Ohio State football team, I've gained relationships with people that I had nothing in common with. The 2014 class most of all has become like my brothers over the years, and I love them for that.
"With that being said, it's been a pleasure playing at the best program in the country. I'm looking forward to continuing the Buckeye legacy on Sunday. I need all of you to be there for me as I go through this process of trying to become the best cornerback. Thank you all."
Lattimore was a member of an elite secondary that will be sending three starters to the early rounds of the draft, with Lattimore joining fellow defensive backs Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley in heading for the pros. Ohio State's defense was one of the best in the country this past season. Only three teams nationally intercepted more passes, the Buckeyes picking off opposing quarterbacks a whopping 21 times. Lattimore had four of those, second on the team only to Hooker's jaw-dropping seven, and he took one of them back for a touchdown.
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Lattimore recorded 41 tackles and a tackle for loss, leading the team with 13 passes defensed.
In addition to Lattimore, Hooker and Conley, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, H-back Curtis Samuel and wide receiver Noah Brown have all announced early departures for the NFL.