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After two seasons of making plays all over the field, Darron Lee has declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. The redshirt sophomore from New Albany, Ohio leaves Ohio State with two years of eligibility remaining. He's expected to be a day one pick.
Rated a three-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite, Lee was an unheralded member of the 2013 recruiting class who also played quarterback and safety at New Albany High School.
Lee exploded onto the scene in 2014, recording 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble returns for touchdowns, while being the key player in Ohio State's run to a national championship. Lee played a different role this year, but had a very productive season, which included a sack and forced fumble in the Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame.
The Buckeyes will now likely look to either Dante Booker, Chris Worley, Jerome Baker, Justin Hilliard, Nick Conner, or a member of the 2016 recruiting class to take his place.