Buckeye Cornerback Denzel Burke Coming Back For Senior Season

Ohio State junior cornerback Denzel Burke has announced that he is returning to OSU for the 2024 season and will not be entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

Burke was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection this season, finishing with 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, nine passes broken up, and one forced fumble.

A rare three-year starter at cornerback for the Buckeyes, Burke’s first year of starting came in 2021 as a true freshman. He was a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection that year. After a bit of a downturn in 2022, Burke bounced back in a fantastic way in 2023, showcasing his lockdown ability week after week.

Burke’s return will once again pair him with fellow starting cornerback Davison Igbinosun next season. The Buckeye duo will arguably be the best pair of cornerbacks in the nation. They could also combine with nickel back Jordan Hancock, who has yet to make his NFL decision.

Burke signed with Ohio State without ever taking an official visit to OSU due to COVID restrictions during 2020 and 2021. As a recruit, he was ranked the No. 10 athlete in the 2021 class and the No. 221 player overall.

Burke attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona where he played both cornerback and wide receiver.

According to CBSSports.com’s NFL Draft prospect rankings, Burke is the No. 6 cornerback in the draft and the No. 32 prospect overall.

Burke could have been the first Buckeye cornerback taken in the first round since Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette were selected third and 19th overall in 2020, respectively.

Seven former Ohio State cornerbacks have been selected in the first round over the previous 10 NFL drafts.

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