Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke told the media Thursday that he and the team would not accept anything less than a national title in 2024.
“Natty or bust,” Burke said on the sidelines of one of the first spring practices of the year.
The Buckeyes lost two games last season, but they were undefeated before a close loss to their biggest rival, the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines went on to finish 15-0 after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the last game of the regular season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes returned/added a lot of key players like Denzel Burke
The Buckeyes had arguably one of the most productive offseasons in the nation. They returned an absurd amount of NFL-ready players with a reported $10-$13 million in NIL money spent.
They landed one of the best running backs in the portal in former Ole Miss Rebels star Quinshon Judkins. They also added one the best overall players in the portal former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Caleb Downs to join fellow former Alabama Crimson Tide center Seth McLaughlin. They went on to add competition at the quarterback position with former Kansas State Wildcat Will Howard.
Ohio State lost some key receivers in Julian Fleming and Noah Rogers, but the players they have convinced to return makeup one of the best lists in the country.
Headlining the returns for Ohio State are wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive back Denzel Burke and running back TreVeyon Henderson. All three offensive weapons were surefire draft picks had they entered the 2024 NFL draft.
Just some Emeka Egbuka highlight to cap off the weekend
pic.twitter.com/x91uYqzMZ1— The Victory Bell (@VictoryBellOSU) April 24, 2023
According to NFL Draft Buzz, Egbuka was projected to be a late first-round pick. Burke was projected to be a second-round pick, and Henderson was projected to be a third-round pick.
Other NFL-ready players who decided to return to Ohio State include guard Donovan Jackson, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, defensive back Lathan Ransom and defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau.
It was a good day for Ohio State.
TreVeyon Henderson & JT Tuimoloau, both 2023 All-B1G 1st-teamers, announced they are returning in 2024. pic.twitter.com/DJofl2wi2Y
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) January 13, 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke is one of the best in the country
Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke was one of the most impactful players on the defense for the Buckeyes in 2023, despite being on a defense full of future NFL players.
Burke is a lockdown corner with an exceptional ability to make tackles in the open field. He only had 24 total tackles in 2023 because teams are throwing his way less often every year.
Gus Johnson:
“HEAT. IN. THE. KITCHEN. DENZEL BURKE.”
“REMINDS ME OF A GUY NAMED DENZEL WARD!!” pic.twitter.com/ryUlWslLll
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) October 7, 2023
Denzel Burke has been excellent through two weeks of play. pic.twitter.com/XNUUO0drNF
— Buckeye Fett™ (@BuckeyeFett) September 11, 2023
Many argue Burke had a huge interception in the game against the Michigan Wolverines, but the call went the Wolverines’ way and was called a touchdown after review.
Should this have been an interception for Denzel Burke?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 25, 2023
Burke and the Buckeyes will have to beat the Oregon Ducks, Penn State Nittany Lions and Michigan Wolverines on their way to the College Football Playoff next year.
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