Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season

Ohio State football fans have known the name Denzel Burke since he took the field unexpectedly as a true freshman on a Thursday night in Minnesota. That night, he took the starting spot of Sevyn Banks and proved his worth.

He would continue to prove his worth throughout that 2021 season and was considered to be one of the rising stars of the Buckeye defense. Even as a true freshman, Burke made Third-Team All-Big Ten.

Then, the 2022 season occurred. Burke played injured, and while he was able to get healthier throughout the year, the first few games were rough for Burke. Public scrutiny and questioning of what happened were not helping out. Burke’s play was not up to the standard of his freshman season.

So how has Burke bounced back after a tough season? Well. so far he has played like his true freshman self, and even better. He was able to get an interception versus Youngstown State. He did not allow a catch in that game either.

In the 2023 season, Burke has been targeted 17 times and has only allowed 5 receptions for 66 yards, according to PFF. Many are considering him now a first-round draft pick. His draft stock had taken a hit last season.

His biggest test of the young season came against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers run a high-powered air raid. He stepped up to the plate and had two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Western Kentucky’s air raid hit a Buckeye-shaped wall and only had 204 passing yards in the game.

So where does Burke go from here? Well, he will need to step up to the plate once again. Notre Dame is bringing in Sam Hartman to face off against the Ohio State football team. All the defensive backs will need to bring their best performance against Hartman.

If Burke plays like he has so far this season, then Buckeye fans should not worry about how the defense holds up. It will be a tough battle in a tough environment. But the Buckeyes will be ready for battle, as will Burke!