Denzel Burke making strong case to be nation’s top cornerback
Ohio State defensive back Denzel Burke (10) runs drills with teammates before game against Iowa Saturday October 22, 2023 at Ohio Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
INDIANAPOLIS — The Buckeyes are no strangers to fielding elite cornerbacks, and they have a senior who’s ready to show he’s the real deal this upcoming season.
Denzel Burke’s name rings bells around the Big Ten because he’s a ballhawk that can lock down the opposition’s top wideout. Over the past seven seasons Ohio State has put a bunch of cornerbacks in the NFL, including first-rounders Denzel Ward and Damon Arnette, and Burke appears to be on a similar path.
After all, Burke surprised many when he decided to return for another year in Columbus. The Arizona native is coming off a first-team, All-Big Ten campaign, and will likely be an All-American on several preseason publications. Everything appears to becoming full circle for Burke as the Buckeyes approach fall camp, and despite the notoriety, he remains humble.
“My years at Ohio State is a testament to all of the hard work that I put in the dark, and what I want to do in my life and play corner,” Burke said.
Surprisingly, Burke didn’t land on the Media’s 2024 Preseason All-Big Ten team that came out earlier this week. Burke could care less about any individual accolades, because he wants to help the Buckeyes win a National Championship. Coach Ryan Day believes in Burke’s abilities though, and is in awe of his journey up to this point with the Buckeyes.
“Denzel has already played a high level of football, but he’s going to be one of the best corners in America,” Day said. “He’s shown great leadership, he’s made great strides as a player and his maturity, he’s much more intentional in everything he does.”
Burke is ready to get out on an island and wait for the action to come his way. His natural instincts, and speed allows him to take chances on passes. Burke knows how to read the quarterback’s eyes, and when he breaks on the ball it’s like he has antennas on top of his helmet.
Ohio State’s secondary also has Alabama transfer Caleb Downs, who happens to be Burke’s golfing buddy, and those two are going to make the backfield of the defense dangerous. Everyone is eager to get the pads popping, and Burke is on a mission this fall. Which is why he’s making sure his teammates know he’s going to be all about business over the next four months.
“I wanted the transfers and the younger guys to understand I didn’t come back for nothing, we’re here to win it all, and we’re going to need everybody, and we have to hold each other accountable,” he said. “Every game is a matchup game, no matter who we’re playing, it’s our job to take them out and dominate.”
It’s going to be a long season though, so staying healthy helps, and Burke is working on taking care of his body by dieting right. His legacy in Columbus is far from over, and anticipation is high. Burke just wants to go out with a bang alongside his teammates, and represent for the scarlet and grey.
“It’s been a big time summer for us, a hard offseason and some good momentum that we’re heading into fall camp with, so our job this year is to win the moment, take care of the little things in situations and have fun.”
