Ohio State Football: Carnell Tate’s Story of Resilience and Denzel Burke’s Struggles

The latest episode of B1G Network’s «The Journey» has cast a spotlight on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, providing fans with an intimate look into his life beyond the football field. Currently a sophomore, Tate’s narrative is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, detailing his journey through personal tragedy while excelling in his athletic career.

The episode delves into Tate’s early life in Chicago’s Garfield Park and explores his deep connection with his mother, Ashley. Her untimely death in July 2023 due to gun violence profoundly impacted Tate. «She was my rock,» Tate stated. «She was like my best friend, mom, and everything, all in one.» This testimony of their bond underscores the emotional foundation of Tate’s story.

In the wake of Ashley’s passing, Tate turned to football as both a solace and an outlet for his grief. The support of his teammates and coaches played a crucial role in his journey. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke of Tate’s resilience, noting, «He’s a great example of somebody who came to work, took care of his business, and then found a way to work through the grieving process on his own. I have nothing but admiration for how he handled that process.»

One poignant segment of the program highlights Tate’s recent return to Chicago, where his performance—scoring two touchdowns—was witnessed by a large contingent of supportive friends and family.

In contrast to Tate’s inspiring story, Ohio State’s Denzel Burke has faced challenges in maintaining his performance this season. Despite Ohio State’s dominant 31-7 victory over Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field, concerns have been raised over Burke’s recent play. Andy Anders of Eleven Warriors criticized the cornerback’s performance, placing him in the «stock down» category after he allowed four catches on four targets for 36 yards against Northwestern.

Burke’s 2024 statistics include 35 tackles, two interceptions, and merely two passes defended, marking a downturn from previous expectations. Once seen as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, Burke now finds his stock facing a downward trend. «There’s time for Burke to turn things around this season, and he’s proven capable of great performances in the past,» remarked Anders, highlighting the importance of improvement for Burke as Ohio State approaches the critical stretch of its season.