Auburn DB Jamel Dean on Joe Burrow: He probably wants to show Ohio State he should be their QB
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This weekend, Jamel Dean and Joe Burrow will have to put their friendship aside as their teams are set to meet in Baton Rouge for the first SEC showdown of the season for both Auburn and LSU.
During his Tuesday media availability, Dean was asked to share his thoughts on LSU’s new starting quarterback. If you were unaware, the Auburn defensive back and Burrow have known each other for quite a while. That’s something Dean referenced when asked about his upcoming opponent.
“I actually like Joe Burrow,” Dean said smiling.
Before arriving at Auburn, Dean signed with Ohio State out of high school in the 2015 recruiting cycle. Dean never hit the field for the Buckeyes in a regular season game, leaving Ohio State for Auburn during his first summer on campus. Burrow, of course, left Columbus as a graduate transfer this offseason for Baton Rouge and won the starting job during LSU’s training camp.
“Yeah, I’m familiar with him. We were both committed to Ohio State at the time. I was on campus, and he was still there,” Dean continued. “I’m pretty sure if he felt like how I felt, he probably has a chip on his shoulder. He probably wants to prove to Ohio State why he should have been there playing.”
Burrow was involved in an offseason quarterback competition at Ohio State with Dwayne Haskins during the spring. The job ultimately went to Haskins, which led to Burrow leaving the program.
As for the challenge of facing a quarterback in a new system without much game film to go off of, Dean believes Auburn’s defense will simply have to adjust on the fly during the game. While they may be on opposing sidelines this Saturday, Dean still respects what Burrow can do heading into this game.
“I know he’s a great passer when he sets his feet and he’s real smart, too,” Dean added.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
