2021 Arizona Four-Star Defensive Back Denzel Burke Commits To Ohio State

Ohio State signed a pair of players from Arizona last cycle in Scottsdale Chaparral four-star quarterback Jack Miller and Tucson Salpointe Catholic four-star safety Latham Ransom, so it should be no surprise to see the Buckeyes have gone back to that well once again, landing a commitment on Sunday afternoon from Scottsdale Saguaro four-star defensive back Denzel Burke.

The 6-0, 189-pound Burke is considered the seventh-best athlete and No. 183 prospect overall in the class of 2021, as he hauled in 12 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns at wide receiver while adding two interceptions as a cornerback in seven games for the Sabercats last season. Ohio State plans to use him exclusively on defense at the next level.

Burke — who picked the Buckeyes over finalists Colorado, Oregon, USC and Washington — has never been to Columbus, but has grown extremely close with defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs since he landed an offer from the staff in January. His planned visit in March was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, so he recently went on a virtual tour of campus and the football facilities with his parents, and that seemingly pushed Ohio State over the top.

Burke becomes the 19th commitment in Ohio State’s top-rated recruiting class, joining St. Louis De Smet Jesuit four-star cornerback Jakailin Johnson; Nashville Ensworth four-star safety Andre Turrentine; Bowling Green (Ky.) South Warren four-star safety Jantzen Dunn; Cincinnati La Salle four-star safety Jaylen Johnson; and Cincinnati La Salle three-star cornerback Devonta Smith in the defensive backfield.

The Buckeyes are looking to add one more defensive back this cycle, with Virginia Beach Princess Anne five-star cornerback Tony Grimes; Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star cornerback Jaylin Davies; and Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway four-star safety Derrick Davis among the few remaining options.

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