Fresh Performance: Denzel Burke

Denzel Burke started the season opener at cornerback for Ohio State Thursday night. The true freshman enrolled early and was the tenth ranked CB in our 2021 rankings, but it was still a surprise to see him starting the game. With both Sevyn Banks and Cam Brown out, Ohio State was shorthanded in the secondary and needed a big performance from the promising freshman. Burke delivered a very good performance in Ohio State’s 45 – 31 win and should be a bright spot in the secondary moving forward.

Burke was not perfect, nor could a true freshman be expected to be in the first game of his career. Early on he gave up a few catches and seemed to be adjusting to the game. He also got called for a pass interference on Minnesota’s second scoring drive, though this was a 50/50 call where he appeared to make a play on the ball. As the game wore on, Burke became more comfortable and his play was much better.

In the second half, Burke was excellent. He was in good coverage regularly, showing the quick feet and hips that made him an exciting prospect. Burke gave up little separation and closed on the football in the blink of an eye, breaking up three passes. He did drop an interception, but was reacting quickly to the ball. Burke was clearly Ohio State’s best corner over the course of the game and the gap widened as the game progressed.

Statistically, Burke finished with four tackles and three pass breakups on the evening. That would be a good performance for most any player, much less a true freshman playing in his first game. Burke got stickier in coverage as the game went on and has a bright future for the Buckeyes. He is a physically impressive player, but also has the demeanor and confidence to excel at cornerback at this level.

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