Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke announced Wednesday that he will forgo the NFL draft and return for his 2024 season with the Buckeyes for a fourth year.
He originally came to Ohio State as a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class and broke onto the scene as a freshman with 37 tackles, 13 passes broken up and an interception. After somewhat of a sophomore slump, Burke turned in a spectacular junior season with 24 tackles (three for loss) with an interception and eight pass breakups, generally locking down his side of the field for the Buckeyes.
Though Burke could have departed for the draft – he was projected by some as a late first-round pick, though other had him in the second round or later – he will return for a senior season to help further boost his draft stock.
Burke is one of several Buckeyes from that 2021 class – including defensive linemen Ty Hamilton, Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams – that have announced their return for next season, with each citing the goal of winning a Big Ten championship and beating Michigan as key factors in their decision.
With Burke returning, Ohio State is set at cornerback next season along with soon-to-be junior Davison Igbinosun, who also had an impressive season for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is also awaiting word from junior cornerback Jordan Hancock as to whether or not he will return, as he could offer depth or compete for a starting role with the Buckeyes.
Beyond Burke and Igbinosun – as well as potentially Hancock – Ohio State will also return important depth in rising freshmen Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Calvin Simpson-Hunt, not to mention the freshmen additions of Miles Lockhart, Aaron Scott and Bryce West.
