Jordan Burch reveals why he wanted to play for Oregon

After entering the transfer portal following the 2022 season, former South Carolina Gamecocks EDGE rusher Jordan Burch traveled across the country to join the Oregon Ducks program. When recently asked about what assisted him in deciding to join the Ducks, the star defensive lineman pointed towards the Oregon headman, Dan Lanning.

“Really, the coaching staff. Coach Lanning and the environment; everybody here has been nice so far. So (that) really stood out when I was choosing a school,” said Burch.

“It played a pretty big role. Coming out of high school, (he’s) probably one of my favorite coaches that recruited me. So, when choosing a school, that was something that I took in; who could I have a relationship with? And (I) already had one with them. So that was another key to come here.”

It wasn’t just Lanning that played a key role in Burch’s decision. The Ducks pass rusher also took into consideration his first time choosing a college back when he was in high school. Burch believes that back then, he got a bit overwhelmed in determining where he would play college football, which he wanted to avoid this time around.

“I didn’t want to be just like high school. I don’t wanna get too overwhelmed and take a long time to make a decision. Really, just trying to choose a school and get prepared for the season. So, I kind of had a couple of schools I really wanted to pick from. And then, Oregon really stood out, and that’s how I made my decision.

“This was my first offer when I was in high school, like freshman year. Growing up, you always want to wear that jersey. So, that was another piece. I know that they’ve always been good. So, that was something I wanted to join and be proud of.”

Before transferring to Oregon, Burch played three seasons in South Carolina. In those three years, he played in a total of 31 games and was all over the field defensively for the Gamecocks. Burch left South Carolina with 105 total tackles, 55 solo, 12.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, four passes deflected, two fumbles recovered, and a pick-six which happened in 2021, his sophomore season in South Carolina’s loss to the Tennessee volunteers in October.

From Burch’s statements, it is clear that his previously developed relationship with Lanning, on the recruiting trail, played a significant role in his decision to head to Oregon. And given his head coach’s defensive background, this could be the best possible move for his career. Lanning has worked with and helped develop some elite talent, such as first-round picks Jalen Carter, Devonte Wyatt, Jordan Davis, and the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker. And given Lanning’s track record, he could very well turn Burch into a household name and first-round pick like the individuals mentioned above.