Jordan Burch talks about communication, competition on the defensive line

Jordan Burch is entering his third year in the South Carolina program, looking to finally have a breakout season. The former On3 Consensus Five-Star Plus+ prospect has contributed as a freshman and sophomore but is looking to become a top pass rusher inside of the SEC.

Communicating across the defensive line is one way Burch hopes his game improves, with the defensive end saying the Gamecocks have been working on it during spring practice. He talked about how the unit has gotten so close that they’re even calling plays for each other. Burch has been working on more as well but communication has been the top priority.

“Really, getting after the quarterback, working our moves, and having good communication together,” Burch said. “I feel like we’ve been working on that pretty good. Zack Pickens, Boogie, all my guys upfront. You can talk to them. We can even make calls for ourselves because the communication is so good right now.”

Burch was later asked about the defensive line compared to last season, saying it’s evolved a lot. Competition between the South Carolina players has occurred and it’s helped even more with how they are communicating. Just going out there to play football and compete has been the mindset throughout the spring.

“It’s evolved a lot,” said Burch. “For our two years, I feel like we’ve grasped everything pretty well. He helps us a lot but we grasp everything pretty well and at the d-line position, we try to communicate where we don’t have to say too much. We just go ahead and play, don’t really think too much about it.”

A member of the 2020 recruiting class, Burch was the highest-rated prospect in the cycle South Carolina was able to sign. Burch has appeared in 21 games but only been able to make one start, with his role expected to increase for the 2022 season.

Burch has 23 tackles throughout his career and just one sack. Add on five tackles for a loss and there is a lot of room for the defensive end to significantly grow this year. He flashed what could be against North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, having a career-high of five tackles, and added a TFL.

If there is going to be improvement throughout the year, Burch knows he will have to communicate well across the defensive line. With the spring game in the rearview mirror, the South Carolina pass rush will have to continue during the summer before moving into fall camp.