The Oregon Ducks have a big, athletic defensive end in Jordan Burch that they had breakout expectations for. The talent has been there, but the stats hadn't yet showed up. Last year, Burch had 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. That's not the production of an elite defensive end.
Through five games, it looks like Burch is beginning to realize his absurd potential, highlighted by a game-wrecking performance on Friday night against the Michigan State Spartans.
Back before the season got underway, defensive line coach Tony Tuioti was asked about the work that Burch had put in over the offseason .
"He's improved in a lot of different areas. Number one, just in terms of being more vocal, his leadership – I'm really proud of what he's been able to do this offseason," defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said following Monday's practice. "He's put on some weight – He was 285, he's like 298 now, just putting on some lean muscle, and got faster and stronger. I expect a real breakout season for him. He's been working really hard for it, he has high expectations for himself, and I think he's putting himself in position where he can put it all together and make it happen."
So far, Tuioti's prediction is coming true. Through five games, Burch has 5 sacks, 14 hurries, and 21 pressures according to PFF. His athleticism and length has been on full display. Friday night's performance saw Burch record a season-high 2.5 sacks.
"Well, he's playing with great violence, and he's the kind of person that shouldn't be blocked one on one," head coach Dan Lanning said after the game. "And we're doing a good job defensively of creating one-on-one opportunities for him, and he's doing a good job of taking advantage of those. He'd be the first one to tell you that great rush starts with great coverage. It starts with other guys on the front that do a great job rushing that makes him have a one-on-one, so we'll take advantage of those. And that's what we expect from Jordan."
Burch is dripping with athletic ability, making it on Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List back in the summer. Here's what Feldman had to say on him:
He’s done a great job this offseason changing his body,” head coach Dan Lanning told me last month. That is saying something considering Burch was No. 4 on my list last year before leading the Ducks with 7.5 TFLs in 2023 alongside his 34 tackles, 27 QB pressures and three sacks. But Oregon coaches are expecting a big final season to his college career.“He is really unique. He’s put on 13 pounds of muscle,” Lanning said. “He’s different and is playing to attributes.”
This offseason the 6-5 1/8, 295-pound senior improved his vertical jump to 35 inches and hit 20.75 MPH on the GPS. Last year, Burch showed impressive strength, squatting 685 pounds and doing a sumo deadlift of 685.
Burch showcased that speed and burst in Friday's game. His closing speed pops on film, and those traits are going to get a lot of love from NFL front offices. Next week, Burch will have a huge opportunity on a national stage with plenty of eyes, as the Ducks will host Ohio State. A strong showing in that game could propel his drafts stock dramatically, as now-Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson once did with three sacks against the Buckeyes in 2021.
Related: Oregon Ducks' key defensive stars proving they're ready to make a deep College Football Playoff run
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
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