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NFL Draft 2018: Top 32 draft prospects entering Championship Weekend

By Charles Rahrig V

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Ohio State Buckeyes corner back Denzel Ward (12) waits for the play during game action between the Penn State Nittany Lions (2) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (6) on October 28, 2017 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Ohio State Buckeyes corner back Denzel Ward (12) waits for the play during game action between the Penn State Nittany Lions (2) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (6) on October 28, 2017 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
24

Marcus Allen

S, Penn State

Marcus Allen has had plenty of reason to post 10 celebration videos to social media this year. One of the most popular personalities in all of college football has made a name for himself on and off the field with his victory videos each week.

Once again, the Nittany Lions found themselves on the winning side of things. They shut down Maryland via a 66-3 score. For Allen, it wasn’t a huge day statistically but he’s long proven his value at this point.

The safety finished the game with four tackles. He’s a safety that loves to play up and get involved in the run game, as well as chasing down the quarterback if need be. His coverage skills have come along as well this year.

He has a spot at the next level but to reach that next level becoming a better all-around player is a must. If his coverage ability can match the intensity that he brings up in the box each week, then Allen will have a long successful career.

23

Denzel Ward

CB, Ohio State

Denzel Ward had a big performance on the road in the rivalry game against Michigan. Again, he made big plays at key moments that helped turn the tide in the win for the Buckeyes against their hated rival.

Ward led the team in tackles with eight and he also had two passes defensed. Perhaps his biggest play came on an extra point attempt. Ward was able to get a piece of a Michigan extra point, that end up giving his team momentum.

It’s much like the blocked punt attempt he had a few weeks back against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Making plays on special teams is just as important as making them on defense and he can do both.

Effort is definitely something that is one of his strongest qualities. Now, Ward and the Buckeyes will get ready for their biggest challenge of the season yet when they face Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.

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