National Signing Day 2015: Denzel Ward signs with Ohio State

Nearly six months after giving Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes his verbal commitment, Denzel Ward of Nordonia has signed his letter of intent with Ohio State.

One of the most underrated pieces of the Elite '15, the defensive back put pen to paper this morning, moving him inches closer to being a full-fledged member of the Silver Bullets secondary.

Ward, a three-star prospect most of the recruiting process, watched his ranking skyrocket up the charts to a high four-star after putting together a more-than-stellar senior campaign for Nordonia. Playing both defensive back and wide receiver, the 5'11, 165-pound speedster was one of the leaders Nordonia head coach Jeff Fox could rely on all season to come up with a big play whether it was on defense or offense.

Ward finished the year with 40 total tackles and nine interceptions for the almost-state champs in Division II. Using those same ball skills at receiver, he hauled in 61 receptions for 1,384 yards and 20 touchdowns. A First Team All-Ohio selection, Ward was also named the co-defensive player of the year for his outstanding work on the field.

According to the final 247Sports Composite Rankings, the soon-to-be Buckeye is the 26th cornerback, and 261st-overall prospect in the class of 2015.

Land Grant Holy-Land's Christopher Jason tells us what Ward will bring to the Buckeyes.

Denzel Ward is another lengthy, elite athlete who fits the new cornerback mold. He stands at 5’11 and only 165 pounds but he looks bigger on tape. He plays extremely fast and has very good ball skills. He is another player who has the talent to play on either side of the ball but he will play cornerback at Ohio State. He is another one who has short area quickness and great hip flexibility for the position. He has the length to press at the line of scrimmage and the quickness to stay with the receiver. Ward will join the crowded defensive backfield and he will be fighting for playing time as his career moves forward.

Once he adds weight, he has the complete package to eventually make an impact for the Buckeyes.

Before you watch him make big plays in the Scarlet and Gray take a few minutes to watch Ward's high school highlights courtesy of Hudl: