Freshman CB Burns, Jr. leads So. Florida in interceptions

By Jerry Williamson

The majority of the nation probably hasn't heard of the rising freshman CB/ATH Timothy Burns, Jr. of Doral Academy, who leads South Florida (both Miami-Dade and Broward County) in interceptions with four this season. The strong tradition of freshman having to play junior varsity (or freshman) football, and wait their turn come varsity, doesn't apply to extremely talented athlete Timothy Burns, Jr. The 5-foot-10, 150-pound athlete, hasn't skip a beat since starting varsity as an seventh-grader. As an eighth-grader at the high school level, he tallied three interceptions and hauled a pair of touchdowns at wide receiver.

As of today, he has allowed approximately three receptions for 16 yards (no touchdowns) within 11-games, which consisted of seven Div. FBS wide receiver recruits. While freshman are being offered left-and-right in South Florida (and around the country), based on measubles and projection. The Firebirds' gifted freshman possesses ideal size standing 5-foot-10 "with film" against notable recruits, and competes at the second highest classification in Florida at 7A. There's no upside or projection (which means you haven't done anything) with this young man. This past Monday against district opponent Miami Sunset, Burns, Jr. picked off (3) passes in a single game, which helped place him in the driver seat in South Florida for interceptions. He's a sticky cover corner with excellent burst to defend the quick routes. Burns, Jr. displayed the confidence and top-end speed this season, challenging blazing fast wide receivers as well as, stopping a fade route thrown to a 6-foot-6 power five conference pledge.

Burns, Jr. have taken pictures with both UM's starters Jaquan Johnson and Trajan Bandy. He has a chance to become a four year all-county selection like Jaquan Johnson. And he reminds me of another Trajan Bandy, not the tallest, but you'll never question having him as your ace in your secondary. He's like glue and will lay the wood. Not to mention, he's the cousin to former UM and Pittsburgh Steelers' cornerback Artie Burns. Before enrolling to high school, he allowed one touchdown reception in five seasons playing Pop Warner for the Gwen Cherry Bulls, where he captured two Pop Warner Nat' championships and was selected to every local all-star football game in South Florida. I remember him as a sixth-grader, literally lock down a number of eighth-graders, during a 7-v-7 tournament, and unanimously earn the overall MVP. He's only a freshman. But, opponents treat him as if he's a five-star at cornerback. His game and talent needs to be recognized, and known throughout the country. His next game will be against the 3A state runner up, Chaminda-Mondonna.