Ohio State senior cornerback Denzel Burke was part of a large group of Buckeyes electing to return for another season in Columbus, and Burke made it clear on Thursday that they all share a common goal.
“It’s definitely natty or bust, man,” Burke said when asked about Ohio State’s goals for this season.
The Buckeyes are coming off a third consecutive loss to Michigan and a disappointing loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, with the frustrating end to the season a catalyst for many player – Burke among them – coming back to accomplish their goals.
That work began in the spring and was on full display as spring practice opened on Tuesday, and the high expectations set by the team – goals that include a hopeful return to the top of the Big Ten, not to mention competing for a national championship – don’t have anybody worried.
“Diamonds are built under pressure,” Burke said. “We’re not worried about a thing. We trust in our technique, ourselves, our team and our coaches. … No excuses man, we’ve got to win it all. We’ve been trying to preach that every single day.”
Burke said that name, image and likeness also played a part in his return, but at the end of the day, it also came down to wanting to compete for his teammates and help the team reach their collective goals before departing Ohio State.
“The other part was coming back with all my brothers and actually winning the Big Ten and a natty for the state of Ohio,” he said. “I had a first- or second-round grade, but I had no gold pants, no Big Ten title, no natty, so just being able to come back with my brothers and doing it for the state of Ohio. I’m trying to finish the job this year. That’s the plan.”
