Jim Knowles Has High Praise for Ohio State Buckeyes Denzel Burke

The Ohio State Buckeye cornerback has played at a much greater level this season

COLUMBUS - After a poor showing last season, Denzel Burke cornerback has been on a tear in the secondary through the team’s first four games. Burke averaged 8.315 yards per target in 2022, more than three yards more per target than in 2021.

Knowles said Burke has been playing at a very high level.

“When you scheme up the coverages, you know you can just count on him to, kind of, take that out of the equation,” Knowles said. “It allows you to do some other things with the other guys.”

Knowles added that the junior cornerback has stepped up and been one of the leading figures for the Buckeye secondary.

According to NCAA college football statistics, Ohio State is giving up 255.5 total yards per game, good for No. 6 in Division 1, and has only given up four total touchdowns, good for second in the country.

Burke has been a big part of this Buckeye defense — he has recorded two tackles, four passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception thus far. As the closest defender against Notre Dame, Burke was only targeted once.

Knowles said he was proud of the way Burke has played so far.

“It’s a great thing for the team when you got a guy [like Burke] playing like that,” Knowles said.

Overall, Knowles said the defense has been working well together and holding each other accountable. 

They are going to need to stay together against a stout Maryland defense that ranks 35th in the country in passing efficiency, 17th in 3rd down conversion rate and 19th in passing offense. 

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has been on fire — he will test Burke and the Buckeye secondary this Saturday.