Dodge City DT enjoys change

One of the top junior college defensive tackles in America is Dodge City (Kan.) Community College standout Steve Burch. The 6-foot-2, 275-pounder originally signed with Iowa and redshirted a year in Iowa City before he decided to leave school and head to Dodge City. The transition has been a tough one, he said, but it’s been worth it.

“When I first got here, I was like where the hell am I,” Burch said. “But the coaches have made me more than at home. I don’t need much to be happy. I’m going to class, and I’ve learned how to become a better person and a better football player. But it’s definitely not Detroit.

“Being here at Dodge has helped me learn how to interact with other people, especially the Cowboys.”

Burch has also been interacting with quarterbacks. He’s got 8½ sacks this season for a rapidly improving Dodge City squad. They battle Coffeyville in a huge game on Saturday, one that could determine who has the higher seed in the Jayhawk Conference playoffs.

On the recruiting front, Burch, who has two years to play two seasons, is getting regular attention from Kansas, Houston and Kansas State. He’s also talked to a few other schools but those were the ones he could recall off the top of his head.

“I don’t really have a leader, and I’m not leaning toward anybody,” he said. “I’m trying to feel my way around, accept offers and see what is the best situation for me. I don’t want to go sit on the bench behind a bunch of seniors. I want a shot at early playing time, so I can help the team.”

Burch said he’s also talking with All-America and stud linebacker Nate Harris about attending the same school. Where that is, he’s not sure, and he’s also not sure when he’ll get there.

“I’ve talked to quite a few schools, but a lot of them want me to get out in December,” he said. “But it looks like spring for me. I want to be with a school that is willing to wait for me until May. I’m sure that some are willing, but I don’t know yet.”