The Florida Gators had three football coaches at American Heritage’s basketball on Tuesday night to watch a couple of football players on the hardwood.
One of the prospects that the Gators were watching was defensive end Brian Burns (6-5, 217, Plantation, FL American Heritage), who enjoyed seeing the Florida coaches at his game.
“It was cool, they basically came to the basketball to say what’s up and see how I was doing,” Burns said. “It was Coach [Chris] Rumph, Coach [Randy] Shannon and Coach [Doug] Nussmeier there. They were also there to see my teammate Nick Eubanks.”
Burns, who has had several coaches visit him over the last few weeks, will return the favor to the Florida Gators this weekend.
“It meant a lot to see them come by the game,” he said. “It showed me how much interest they have in me and how much they want me at Florida. I’ll be taking my official visit there this weekend.”
After the game was over Florida Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph was able to share a quick message with the defensive end from American Heritage.
“Coach Rumph talked to me briefly during the game and he said he would talk to me more soon,” Burns said. “He said that he needs a guy to help rush the passer since Alex McCalister is gone. He said that he’s looking for someone to come in and compete on the defensive line.”
The speed-rushing end has been to Gainesville several times but he has a few things he wants to accomplish during his official visit to the Florida Gators.
“I just want to talk to the players and see how they bond together and see how they like the coaching staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to sitting down with the coaches and asking them any questions I have and also getting to see the campus and the dorms. My mom, brothers and dad are also going to be with me.”
There have been a lot of reports on Burns having a leader heading into the official visit but he says that simply isn’t true.
“Right now I don’t have a leader,” Burns said. “Florida, Georgia and Florida State are equal at the top for me.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Georgia made a good impression on Burns this past weekend, but these two weekend visits to Florida and Florida State are going to play a large role into where Burns signs. Florida wants another elite pass rusher to team up with Antonneous Clayton and Jachai Polite in this class.