Brian Burns ..... American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL) 3-star ..... DE ..... 6-5/212 Burns is a 2015 Nike The Opening MVP who runs a 4.76/40. Though he may be Miami bound, these south Florida guys can feel the Charlie Strong love. Per BON: A rangy prospect at 6'5 and 207 pounds, Burns is ranked as a weakside defensive end, but is the weight of a skill position player at this time. Still, he ran a 4.5 shuttle and posted a nearly 34-inch vertical leap at the Nike Opening Miami Regional, so his athleticism projects favorably as he continues to add weight. Per Scout: Burns is a rush end who could play standing up or with his hand down on the next level. Has a very good first step and is very quick off the ball. Speed makes him successful and he closes on the ball very well. Can get hands in passing lanes with length and can works the flats as well in coverage. Versatile player who has a frame to add good weight to. Will only improve as he improved technique and strength. Strengths: athleticism, change of direction, and quickness off the ball. Per Scout review of Burns' performance at the Orlando Nike Opening Regional: Brian Burns put on a show Saturday while competing among some of the best in Florida and the country. He was fun to watch. He won rep after rep due to his speed, anticipation, and quickness off the ball. When he turns the corner, he has another gear to get to the quarterback. Burns is athletic with length and he showed great flexibility and he is a kid who be used in many ways on the next level. He can be a stand-up linebacker, a wide rush end, or a linebacker who drops into coverage. He has a wide wingspan, he can move, and he is agile. Good weight and strength will come in time and just how he fills out could determine where he ends up lining up in college. He is a natural off the edge and he has the skill-set to be very effective there early.
