UGA target who could fill Leonard Floyd’s role settles on official visits
Brian Burns, a 4-star prospect from Florida’s American Heritage School, has narrowed down his recruiting scope. The senior defensive end has yet to take an official visit but has now decided on the schools he will check out when he does.
Burns told 247sports.com’s Luke Stampini that UGA, Alabama, Florida, FSU and LSU will get visits barring any changes. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder has created instant havoc all season long for the two-time defending state champions.
Burns hails from the same high school program which has sent receiver and kick returner Isaiah McKenzie, running back Sony Michel and kicker Marshall Morgan to UGA.
He recently said UGA and Florida were standing out in his recruitment of late. UGA was considered the leader for Burns at one time, but it appears the home state Gators have reduced that gap. Burns also named UGA, Alabama and Florida as his co-leaders after he made an unofficial visit to UGA for the Alabama game.
Burns had an inspiring performance in a scrimmage game earlier this season. He attended his grandfather’s funeral earlier in the day and then took the field to face nationally-ranked IMG Academy later that night.
UGA linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer is recruiting Burns. He’s rated as the No. 11 weak-side defensive end in the nation and No. 19 player in Florida for the Class of 2016.
Florida defensive line coach Chris Rumph is recruiting him for the Gators. He’s held that same position at Alabama and Texas along his coaching career. Burns has had a dominating senior season even while playing some of the Southeast’s top-tier teams like Florida’s IMG Academy, Georgia’s Stephenson High School, and Maryland’s DeMatha Catholic.
He’s been credited with 15.5 sacks and 55 tackles through 10 games. Burns routinely has games where he causes multiple false starts by the offense and also has 46 quarterback pressures that did not result in sacks in 2015.
Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.
