Interview: Tennessee Defenses Better Get Ready for RB Brandon Burton in 2017

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is a storm rising in Tennessee, coming straight out of the Henderson area. The impacted area is in Class 4A with a target date of fall 2017. Opposing Tennessee high school defenses have been warned. That storm’s name is Brandon Burton Jr.

Statistics can paint a picture but often do not tell the whole story. Burton rushed for 826 yards in eight games this season carrying the rock 97 times while finding the end zone 10 times. The 100 plus yard per game average is great right along with a score per game, but even those stats limit the reality of Burton’s abilities.

The 2016 season was Burton’s first playing running back fulltime for Chester County High School. The Eagles fought through a tough 3-7 season this year with Burton becoming an emerging star. During his first two games at running back, his natural abilities carried him to 177 yards off 31 carries with a score in each game. That would be the height of his workload. The rest of the season he never carried the ball more than 11 times in a game only hitting double-digit totes one other time, 10 carries in the Obion County contest. Against Obion County, he didn’t have to do much more after tallying 205 yards with two scores on those 10 touches.

Colleges are starting to take notice of the 6-2, 240 pound, running back gem waiting to be discovered. A closer look at his running style, not just for a big back but for any back, he has good speed. What college coaches have to love, he keeps his feet moving and drives through first contact going forward, not backwards. The weapon running backs do not use often enough, Burton employs, a stiff-arm that keeps would-be tacklers in their place.

No offers have been extended yet, but all of that is soon to come for Burton. Virginia, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee, and Alabama are on to him. Alabama has even invited him down for his first unofficial visit.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Burton at the conclusion of his junior season to get insight on his game and his recruiting process thus far.

Interview

Brandon, when did you get the call up to the varsity level?

“I started my sophomore year on defense but played both ways. Last year I started at defensive end and played some linebacker at beginning of the season.”

You played some running back your sophomore year but primarily played defensive end, which do you like best, end and linebacker or running back?

“I really like the running back position. I’m a very aggressive runner. I like the running back position better than linebacker or end.”

What is your mentality on the field with the ball in your hands?

“Find a hole and hit it hard. I’m going to keep running and move my feet, get to the next level and score.”

How did you game improve this season?

“It improved a lot. Since the beginning of the season, this was my first year starting at running back, I got a lot better. I was not too good at hitting the holes correctly. By the middle of the season I was getting to the right hole and getting good at my cutbacks. I improved a lot hitting the holes, moving my feet, and hitting hard.”

How do you describe your running style?

“I’d describe it as a big back with good speed who can get to the second level. I’m big, aggressive, and a hard hitting running back with speed.”

Is there a player at either the college or NFL level that you compare yourself too?

“I watched Derrick Henry a lot at Alabama. I would watch him all the time. I still do with the Titans. I try to model him, take some of his moves.”

What do you plan on working on this off-season?

“I play basketball too. That’ll be my conditioning. I’ll still be in the weight room doing footwork and drills to get ready for my senior season.”

Do you remember what you maxed out on over the summer in the weight room?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 370, squat was 450, and power clean was 265.”

Impressive. What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran this summer?

“4.68.”

What position do you play in basketball?

“I’m a power forward. I’m more of a rebounder type. I bang in the post, get the rebound, and dish it out. Score when needed.”

Do you plan on getting any poster worthy dunks on guys this season?

“Oh yeah, most definitely.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Virginia has sent some letters and Humboldt (Tennessee). I’m visit Tennessee this weekend. I got on the recruit visit list at Alabama. UT-Martin spoke with me before the season.”

What are you excited to see and learn during your visit to Tennessee?

“This is my very first college game. I’m just excited overall. I’m ready to see the atmosphere and the fans. There are some diehard fans out here. I’m excited to visit the campus and see a college football game live.”

Do you have any other visits upcoming?

“I’m supposed to go to Alabama for the Mississippi State game.”

Brandon, thanks for your time today. I hope you have a great time in Knoxville this weekend.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Brandon Burton’s highlight reel.

Photo credit: Jackson Sun; No. 1 Brandon Burton in action.

Photo credit: Jackson Sun; No. 1 Brandon Burton in the Wildcat.