Update Interview with 3-Star All-State 2020 Arkansas TE/DE Bryant Burns
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Rarely does one get to pair the word “exciting” with the play of a tight end on the gridiron. But much like what Jace Sternberger did for Texas A&M’s offense during the 2018 season, Class of 2020 standout Bryant Burns is doing the same for Ozark High School bringing a level of excitement back to the position.
Burns ascension to notoriety has been building over time, producing “oohs” and “ahhs” from high school football fans in Arkansas over the past two seasons. As a sophomore, Burns torched opposing 4A squads for 748 yards off 33 receptions with 11 scores and even rushed one into the end zone. If that was not impressive enough, he added to his athletic resume 74 tackles, 53 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, five QB hurries, four forced fumbles and even picked off a pass playing end.
With all eyes on Burns entering his junior campaign, the 6-3, 220-pound, talent did much of the same, even with teams scheming against him earning All-State honors after covering 637 yards off 27 receptions with seven trips into the end zone in 12 games played. On defense, he put an end to 48 plays, 32 solo, with 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, eight QB hurries, forced two fumbles and blocked a punt.
Recruiting for Burns is just picking up, but he already has offers on the table from Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist. On a closer look, college programs will be excited (got to use it twice) to find out that Burns is a true student-athlete with a 4.1 cumulative GPA and a 28 scored on the ACT.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Natural State’s top prospects in the 2020 class for insight on his overall game.
Interview
Bryant, not often do I start an interview with a tight end talking about his speed, but in this case I am. You have very good straightaway speed for your position and you have some nimble moves in space. How did you increase your speed and agility before entering the 2018 season?
“With my father (Jeremie Burns) being the head coach, I spend a lot of time in the weight room. I spend a lot of time working on my skills, doing ladders and cones, and sprints.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“My best laser time is 4.8, my best hand-timed is 4.7.”
You lock-in on your blocks and drive defenders downfield. What are some of the other traits of your game as a blocker be-it as an H-back or with your hand in the ground?
“I feel like I am athletic enough and versatile to block anyone. I can pull and kick an end. I can block well in space against a safety or a linebacker.”
With your pass catching skills, what do you feel are the strengths to your game?
“I feel like I have great hands. One of my greatest strengths is my mind. I am good at reading coverages and finding a hole in man or zone coverages so I can get open and the quarterback can get the ball to me.”
You also play defensive end for the Hillbillies, what are some of the things you do well on that side of the ball?
“I can rush the passer well. I feel that I have a great first move off the ball and I am physical enough to take on a pulling guard or tackle. I am good with my hands. I can get a guy off me or I can get on one to keep my linebackers free.”
Is there an area of your game you feel gets overlooked?
“I feel like I am overlooked, I am not sure about an area of my game. Maybe my speed. My athletic ability, that may get overlooked the most.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I am working on getting better in space, my route running, and reading coverages even better.”
Have you been to any camps yet this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I went to Houston for an Adidas camp and I also competed at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio.”
How did that go for you?
“It was a good camp. It went well. I showed that I can get open against a linebacker or a safety.”
Are there any other upcoming national camps you may attend?
“Yes, sir. I am competing at the Nike Opening this weekend in Dallas.”
As your recruiting gets going, which schools have offered you thus far?
“Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Memphis, they invited me to their school for a Junior Day visit, Air Force, they also invited me to visit for a Junior Day event, Louisiana-Lafayette (ULL), and Arkansas are also showing interest.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have taken visits to ULL, Arkansas, and Memphis.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It was awesome. They have a great program there.”
What about ULL, how did that go?
“That was great. That was a game day visit, we got to watch them play. They won too. They are building a strong program there.”
And Arkansas, how did that visit go?
“Their facilities are nice, I think they will start winning soon. They are doing it right there. It was an awesome visit.”
Do you have any planned visits you might take in the near future?
“Air Force, I might go there sometime soon. I may visit a few more, but nothing is set yet.”
Bryant, it was great speaking with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success at the Nike Regional this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Burns family; Bryant Burns at Memphis