Brian Burns is “that man” – or at least that’s the buzz I’ve been feeling this spring. Burns had to be one of the guys that Willie Taggart was talking about when he said there were mutants on the Florida State roster upon taking the job.
The 6-foot-5 defensive end is looking much improved as a pass rusher this spring, both from what I’ve seen myself at practice and what I’ve heard from other insiders around the program. He has been dominating in drills.
The best measuring stick that one can have in the spring is how well players perform in the scrimmage. According to Seminoles.com, Burns showed out by applying consistent pressure on the quarterback, using his wing span to bat balls down, and at one point in the scrimmage, registering back-to-back sacks, stalling a drive.
If ever there were a player that FSU needed to turn the corner this season, it would be Burns, as the team is still waiting for a dominate pass rusher to emerge along with a leader on the defensive line.
Burns seems to be responding well to the changes in the defensive scheme as well as coach Mark Snyder’s coaching. Having a coach who has seen the likes of Myles Garrett and numerous other top talents should help giving him feedback on where he stands.
FSU ranked tied for 51st in sacks with the likes of Iowa, Duke and Purdue last year; that isn’t acceptable at FSU. Consistent pressure seems to be one of the focal points of the new defense and if the Seminoles can boost their sack total, it’ll force opposing offenses into bad situations and mistakes.
The burden to record those sacks will be on Burns and Joshua Kaindoh, who’s not doing bad himself, as they are two of the returning sack leaders.
Fast and physical are the markers of a championship defense and it seems like Burns has definitely upped the fast and physical part of his game.
RELATED: FSU defense has experience and hunger to dominate in 2018.
Article Originally Appeared On Gridiron Now: http://gridironnow.com/brian-burns-one-of-early-standouts-during-florida-state-spring-practices/
