“Most call it a setback,” Burrows wrote in April. “I call it an opportunity. #ImStillWorkin.”
The work continues this month. During Ohio State media day Sunday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Burrows said he’s 90 percent healthy and could be cleared for full contact in practices this week or next. He can run straight ahead but hasn’t progressed to making quick cuts on the foot.
“It’s frustrating,” Burrows said, “but you’ve got to focus on getting healthy before anything.”
The 6-foot-0, 208-pound Burrows appeared in 12 games for the Buckeyes as a true freshman in 2012, mostly on special teams. Last season, he had a bigger role, appearing in 14 games and playing safety in 12 games. He earned 296 snaps on defense or special teams and twice had two pass breakups in a game: vs. Cincinnati and vs. Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.
In the Sugar Bowl against Alabama and the national championship game against Oregon, Burrows saw special teams action. Representing his hometown, he wrote “937” and “Blessed” under his eyes for the national championship game.
“It was like a dream,” Burrows said. “I grew up an Ohio State fan. I always said I wanted to go here. To finally be here and bring a national championship to my home state, it felt great.”
Returning home during the offseason, Burrows said, “Everybody calls me champion, but you’ve got to stay level-headed. It’s a new season coming up.”
With returning starters Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell, safety is a strength for the Buckeyes. Bell started 14 games. Powell started all 15 games and was named defensive MVP of the national championship game. Sophomore Erick Smith will also factor in the rotation.
Co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris Ash expects Burrows to play a big part in that unit when he gets healthy.
“Cam’s going to play this year,” Ash said. “We’ve got to wait and see and evaluate how he comes back off the injury and how long it takes him to get back into the flow of things. Our expectation is Cam’s going to be a guy who’s going to be an integral part of our success this year. Hopefully, it’s at safety. If it’s not at safety, it’s going to be at a nickel package, but Cam is a player we’re counting on.”
Trainers told Burrows he looked great Saturday. He’s getting stronger and healthier. Ash hasn’t seen enough of Burrows to say with confidence when he’ll return, but it will be soon.
“Cam is a guy who has worked extremely hard,” Ash said. “He’s very serious about his role on this football team and wants to play like everyone else. The injury he suffered in the spring was a setback to him and us. He’s handled it like a man. He’s grinding away and doing everything he can to get back on the football field.”
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