Ohio State Football: Kendall Sheffield is Buckeyes’ secret star for 2017

Landing the top JUCO cornerback in 2017, Ohio State football has itself a rising star and a potential breakout player in Kendall Sheffield.

When Kendall Sheffield committed to Alabama’s 2015 class, he couldn’t have been happier. He was joining one of the top teams in college football with an opportunity to prove himself as an incoming five-star cornerback.

However, at Alabama, everyone seems to be a high-four or five-star recruit and Sheffield didn’t see the field in his first season, redshirting in 2015. He watched as the Tide won the national title, but decided it was best for him to transfer. He didn’t want to have to sit a year, per NCAA rules, so he landed at Blinn College in Texas.

The Missouri City, Texas, native was back in his home state and proved himself as the best cornerback at the JUCO level. He then had a major decision to make. Where would he finish up his collegiate career? Being the hottest defensive back on the transfer market, you could bet the top teams were calling.

Such was the case as he wound up picking Ohio State. The Buckeyes desperately needed defensive back depth for the 2017 season and Sheffield was a guy who could provide an instant impact.

In fact, the Buckeyes are losing both of their starting cornerbacks from 2016. Both Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore were first-round NFL Draft talents, leaving two open spots. It seems as if junior Denzel Ward and sophomore Damon Arnette are favored to start, but Sheffield has his eyes on the prize.

According to a recent report from 247Sports, the Ohio State coaching staff has been gushing over Sheffield’s ability and he’s pushing for that second starting spot across from Ward.

What also sets him apart is his ability to return punts and kicks. He’s a dynamic all-around performer and could be the breakout star this team needs in the defensive backfield. Replacing two cornerback starters isn’t easy, but the blow is lessened with a guy like Sheffield.

Next: Ohio State Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2017

Since he’s a junior academically, this could be his last season of college ball before making the NFL leap. Don’t waste that talent on the bench, Urban Meyer.