Ducks' head coach Dan Lanning heaps praise on one of his star players ahead of Ohio State rematch in Rose Bowl
At this point, it has been well discussed that the Oregon Ducks were missing their top pass rusher, Jordan Burch, in their last meeting with the Ohio State Buckeyes, a game they won despite his absence. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning clearly has high regard for his top pass rusher a head of the Ohio State […]
At this point, it has been well discussed that the Oregon Ducks were missing their top pass rusher, Jordan Burch, in their last meeting with the Ohio State Buckeyes, a game they won despite his absence.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning clearly has high regard for his top pass rusher a head of the Ohio State rematch at the Rose Bowl.
"I think just his size and athleticism. God doesn't make a lot of people that look like Jordan Burch," Lanning said when speaking with the media. "I think when people see him, they're always surprised to hear that he's almost 300 pounds, because he looks really good at his size. But he plays like a beast on the field. Relentless effort and the fact that we have great depth and several guys that can play edge positions for us, it allows us to make sure that when he's on the field, he's fresh. And a fresh Jordan Burch is really dangerous."
A fresh and healthy Jordan Burch has the ability to wreck games. As Lanning mentioned, he's nearly 300 pounds of athleticism and ability, so much so that Lanning even called his number on a fake punt from their own 22-yard line.
Oregon has a bevy of pass rushers that they can throw at opposing linemen and quarterbacks, which they will. In doing so, as Lanning said, Burch will be fresh and ready to make his presence felt.
Burch poses a rare combination of size and speed that can win with power, he can win with speed around the edge, and he can shed blocks and use his incredible closing speed to chase down ball carriers and quarterbacks alike.
He wasn't on the field the last time these two met, but he will be there on New Year's Day in the Rose Bowl. Like the best pass rushers, Burch will have every opportunity to make impact plays when the Ducks need him most.
Ohio State’s Ryan Day points to one key for Rose Bowl that could actually be an advantage for Oregon
He probably didn’t mean it like that.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
