Ohio State Football: Denzel Burke embracing leadership role
The Ohio State football team has begun Spring practices and Denzel Burke is becoming a leader.
The Ohio State football team has begun Spring practices and the mood appears to be set by Denzel Burke. The All-American cornerback has used his words this Spring to set a tone as he has officially become the vocal leader of this football team.
Speaking last Thursday to reporters, Burke made it clear what his expectations are of this team come next season, via Eleven Warriors:
""Diamonds are built under pressure. We’re not worried about a thing. We trust in our technique, ourselves, our team, and our coaches. … No excuses man, we’ve got to win it all. We’ve been trying to preach that every single day.""
- Denzel Burke, Ohio State cornerback
I love the confidence and the expectations that Burke has set because he's right. It's natty or bust time for Ryan Day and this football team. They are too talented and have too many good coaches to fall short again.
""The other part was coming back with all my brothers and actually winning the Big Ten and a natty for the state of Ohio.""
- Denzel Burke, Ohio State cornerback
Talk about a player who 'gets us.' Burke just warmed the heart of every Buckeye fan with that statement. This is the first time in recent history that I can recall a player saying that it's time to win a natty. And indeed, it is. Burke is right, with everybody coming back and with everyone who was added to the roster this offseason, there needs to be a true sense of urgency in Columbus. Now is the time to capitalize, and Denzel Burke is letting his teammates know as much.
He also didn't shy away from expecting more from his fellow teammates. When asked directly about his new quarterback, Will Howard, Burke said that he wanted "to see more" out of him. Openly calling out his new gunslinger is certainly something that we have not seen many players take on wearing the Scarlet and Gray. But maybe a change is needed, and Burke is providing that.
Next. All eyes on Howard as Spring ball begins. All eyes on Howard as Spring ball begins. dark
Words and expectations are great in March. But the real test starts next fall for this football team. Hopefully with Burke's new vocal leadership, this team can begin its journey to a Big Ten and national title in 2024.