If there's one thing you can count on from Denzel Burke, it's unapologetic, blunt honesty.
The four-year Ohio State starting cornerback has never been afraid to tell it like it is in media sessions, so endorsements from the Arizona prospect seem to mean a little bit more.
During his interview session at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Burke had high praise for OSU sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin, who will compete with Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair for the starting signal-caller job this season.
"I think he's that guy, to be honest with you," Burke said when asked about Sayin. "And Lincoln is pretty good too. I'm ready to see this little matchup they're going to have. Julian is a great player and puts great zip on the ball, has great pocket presence and he's going to have a great career."
Denzel Burke says he believes Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is "that guy" and that he's going to be "a great player" in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/SnOuBDUPJ4
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) February 27, 2025
Burke said he knew Sayin would live up to his lofty five-star billing “a couple practices in when he first got here.”
"Just the way he's throwing the ball, he's himself and I could just tell he's all about ball," Burke said.
When asked if Sayin's arm reminded him of anyone else, Burke paused for a few moments, seemingly in thought, then smiled and said, “Nah, I ain't gonna say that. He has a good arm, I won't put anything on him right now. He's going to be a great player.”
You can use your best judgment if he was or wasn't moments away from dropping a C.J. Stroud comparison.
Ohio State opens spring practice on March 17, which will be the first step of the open quarterback competition for next season.
