Buckeyes CB Denzel Burke Ready to Return to 'BIA' Status
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the more talented programs in all of college football. And for many years, the defense has been noted as a top unit, known for its production of linebackers and cornerbacks. As a matter of fact, the corners have entertained the motto "BIA" for a long time, and especially since 2014, that's been true. The Buckeyes have boasted seven corners taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2014.
But since Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette went No. 3 and No. 19 overall in 2020, just one Ohio State corner has been drafted. Shaun Wade, a fifth-rounder in 2020, is the only Buckeyes corner to be drafted in the last three years, an indication of the dip in play.
Last season was a particularly bad look for the position, and in 2022, Ohio State corners registered a goose egg in the interception column and were often beaten by wideouts. Injuries to Denzel Burke, Jordan Jancock, and Cam Brown certainly played a part.
But it appears the group is now healthy as preseason camp rolls on, and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has higher expectations for the upcoming campaign.
“I feel real good about it because now we’re healthy,” Walton said. “Guys have been in the system and understand it, so you’re developing chemistry, developing unity, camaraderie. People forget last year that there were a lot of injuries, a lot of guys in and out.”
Burke had a great spring practice and it's carried over to camp. “I’m just trying to stay consistent and take every day seriously and get better every single day,” Burke said. “Last year I was hurt and so I really couldn’t set my foundation. This year I took pride in being a pro and taking care of my body and getting extra work in every day and pushing my teammates to be the best version of themselves and bring BIA back.”
And Burke remembers the goose egg in the interceptions category. “We remind ourselves every day,” he said. “That’s horrible. Our whole mindset is to go out there and dominate. We try to go out here and dominate Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka in practice so when it comes to the game it’ll be a lot easier. We’re not going to see anybody in the Big Ten like those two.”
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