'He Might Be The Best': Ohio State CB Denzel Burke Gives High Praise To Newcomer Jeremiah Smith
Denzel Burke has faced dozens of receivers in practice over his time at Ohio State.
He's seen the best perform at their best. From Garrett Wilson to Chris Olave to Jaxon Smith-Njigba to Emeka Egbuka to Marvin Harrison Jr.
Entering his final spring practice, the 2023 first-team All-Big Ten selection needed two days of spring football to realize incoming freshman Jeremiah Smith might be the best of the bunch when his time ends in Columbus.
"This might be a big statement, but with the way he handles himself, the way he moves, and the potential he has — he might be the next best receiver to come through here," Burke said. "I am really excited to see what he can do. The sky is the limit for him."
Smith, the 2024 No. 1 recruit, already has been catching fire since arriving on campus this spring. He's everything Harrison was as a pass-catcher, with the straight line speed of Olave and the crisp route-running of Smith-Njigba.
It's a wash, rinse, repeat method at Ohio State when it comes to picking up premier receiver talent. One player leaves to become a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft while a newcomer joins the crew to break records in the Big Ten.
Last season, Smith-Njigba was replaced by former five-star Carnell Tate. A year later, Harrison, the consensus top receiver in April's draft, was replaced by Smith, who caught 88 passes for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns during his senior season at Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Fla.).
While Burke praised Smith's outlook, he was more lenient when discussing transfer quarterback Will Howard. The Kansas State product is the favorite to win the title of QB1, but Buckeyes coach Ryan Day mentioned before the start of spring practice it would be an 'open competition' until fall camp.
Burke isn't doubting that the dual-threat passer who guided the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022 can't get the job done, but needs to see more before forming an opinion.
"We have a lot more to go, but I am going to keep it real; I want to see more. I know he has high potential, and I am excited for him," Burke said of his new teammate. "We've got 13 more practices, so we will see."
While only playing in 14 games, transfer safety Caleb Downs has already caught Burke's eye in practice. He first noticed Downs while watching him become a fixture of Alabama's defense en route to an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff appearance.
"He already speaks for himself," said Burke. "He already knows the whole defense. He is already out there with the ones. He is that guy. He is going to do a lot of big things for us."
Burke is one of 11 starters, including six on defense, who could have entered the 2024 NFL Draft but chose another year in Columbus. The veteran cornerback realizes with the amount of talent heading back to Ohio Stadium, expectations will be raised.
And not just by fans, who have waited a decade to see their team return to the national championship, but by players. As a senior, Burke holds himself to a greater standard than others.
The only way Ohio State comes close to accomplishing its main goal in 2024 is by reaching Atlanta on Jan. 20. The goal is only complete if the Buckeyes walk out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a trophy under their arms.
“It’s definitely natty or bust, man,” Burke said of the team goals.“That’s our mentality. No excuses, man. We’ve gotta win it all. We’ve been trying to preach that every single day.”
