Burns has the Gators and Dawgs up top

The Florida Gators are in need of pass rushers in the class of 2016 with several guys on their defensive line being juniors or seniors, the Gators will need to reload at the position.

Two weeks ago the Gators picked up a big commitment from defensive end Antonneous Clayton and last week they got defensive end Jachai Polite, but Florida is still looking for more difference makers at the position.

One of the top guys remaining on board is defensive end Brian Burns (6-5, 219, Plantation, FL American Heritage) who says that he’s hearing from several schools as of late.

“Things are going pretty well,” Burns said. “Georgia hit me up recently and Nick Saban got me a couple weeks ago and I still talk to Florida a lot. I talked to Coach [Chris] Rumph last week one day.”

Rumph and Burns have built a good relationship and the defensive end says that Rumph just explains the need for him in Gainesville when the two talk.

“They’ve just been explaining in more detail how they’re going to use me on the field, how much they want me,” he said. “I have a good relationship with Coach Rumph and he had made a big impression on me. When he talks to me he says things there are real.”

Not only does Burns talk to Rumph but Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain also speaks to Burns quite a bit.

“I talk to him [Rumph] the most,” Burns said. “I talk to Coach McElwain some too but he just tells me the same thing that Coach Rumph has been telling.”

One thing that Florida is selling Burns is the fact that the defense is built around having good pass rushers and Burns is seeing that from this year’s defense.

“Oh yea it’s great. I’ve been seeing [Alex] McCalister there, I’ve been seeing him ball and it’s just been amazing,” he said of Florida’s defense. “When I watch him, I’m watching myself and I can see myself fitting into that defense.

For quite some time Burns has had Georgia in the lead position, but Florida is quickly making up ground here.

“Georgia and Florida are in the top,” Burns said. “Georgia they’re having their struggles but one of the top players got hurt so I can understand that.”

Burns has been studying and researching the two teams as of late and he says he knows what will tip his hand to one school or another.

“The atmosphere outside of the school, because you’re going to have to be there for four years,” he said on what will help him decide. “ Because they both want to play me the same way and they’re both great traditions and powerhouses, so that’s pretty much it. Nothing football related.”

Despite having two teams out in front, Burns says he plans to still take all five of his allotted official visits.

“I’m planning on taking official visits to Florida, Georgia, LSU, Alabama and FSU most likely,” Burns said.  “It’s possible that I announce at the all star game but I don’t know what the future holds yet.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Right now it’s a two-team race between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs, but the Gators are the team with the momentum right now. Burns is expected to be on the visitor’s list for the Florida State game in two weeks at the Swamp.

QUOTES PROVIDED BY KASEY HILL

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.