Why Jordan Burch is a fit for South Carolina’s top pass rushing position
Throughout his recruiting process, it seemed as if five-star defensive end Jordan Burch was destined to fill South Carolina’s bigger defensive end spot. Some folks even projected him as an interior tackle.
He’s 275 pounds, which fits the profile of that position. That’s a contrast to the Buck position on the other side, a hybrid spot that requires some pass coverage and linebacker traits. Those players tend to be a little leaner and mobile.
But Will Muschamp wants Burch there when he enrolls this summer.
The development is notable because it speaks to the skill set the No. 8 overall recruit in the country brings to Columbia and will answer a depth question that had been lingering. The Gamecocks come into spring practice, which starts Wednesday, with only two scholarship Bucks: veteran Brad Johnson and redshirt freshman Rodricus Fitten.
Both Daniel Fennell and D.J. Wonnum graduated and moved on from that position. Not ending up at the bigger end position also avoids a bit of a logjam, as proven veterans Aaron Sterling and Kingsley Enagbare are already there, as well as former four-star recruit Joseph Anderson.
Muschamp said Burch has the requisite mobility to play that role that requires some short pass drops.
“A guy that’s athletic enough to play in space, athletic enough to play a hook, to play a hook-flat to play somebody man-to-man,” Muschamp said. “Obviously his biggest trait is to be able to rush the passer and win on the edge in our league, and we feel like that that’s a different position. You’ve got to be able to have that combination athletically to do those things, and in the end we feel like he possesses those characteristics.”
It was the first time Muschamp could speak publicly about Burch as the Hammond School product had not signed before either of the two signing days.
His recruitment was an oddity: It was high profile but extremely quiet with basically no media interviews for the final year. He committed to USC in December but didn’t sign, and then did a ceremony in February but didn’t send in the paperwork until 30 hours later.
He’s also the highest-rated recruit the program has signed since Jadeveon Clowney. As a senior, he posted nine sacks, 18 tackles for loss and more than 20 touchdowns, playing some offense for the state champion squad.
“My expectation will be for Jordan just like it’s going to be for every freshman that steps on games in June,” Muschamp said. “Work extremely hard and we’ll see where the chips fall. You’ll have an opportunity to be a starter, you’ll have an opportunity to play.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Why Jordan Burch is a fit for South Carolina’s top pass rushing position."
