Breaking News : Burks Embracing New Role in Mountaineer Defense
WEST HARTFORD, W.Va. Watching Aubrey Burks, No. 2, play free safety for West Virginia University’s defense has
taken up the last two and a half years.
He may be there at times this year, while other times he will be positioned close to the line of scrimmage. Burks’
incredible ball-hawking skills and reflexes led to the decision this past spring to bring him closer to the action.
The inhabitant of Oakridge, Florida, embraces the opportunity to better his game.
“I want to be playing both,” he declared during the Big 12 media days last week in Las Vegas. “Depending on what
teams are running and how they try to attack us, I’m going to play down in the box and high safety.
“If a team comes out in 10 or 11, I will be playing closer to the ball, and so far, I like the change,” he said. “Coach
Brown and Coach Lesley, I’ve been telling them that’s what I want to accomplish. They said that my play is more
effective when I’m near the ball. This year is a fantastic chance for me to demonstrate my versatility and what I can
do up close to the ball.”From 116 total tackles to 8 ½ tackles for loss, 2 ½ sacks, two forced fumbles and a recovery,
three interceptions, and six pass breakups, Burks’ 29 games at free safety have produced erratic figures in every
defensive statistical category.Burks’s development as a player is largely due to his remarkable football IQ. Although
he isn’t the fastest or the highest jumper on the field, his ability to analyze and interpret what is occurring in front of
him makes a big difference in how quickly he plays.
Due to their fast thinking and ability to anticipate plays, defensive players like Mike Lorello, Jay Henry, and
ReedWilliams were previously highly productive for the Mountaineers.Burks also fits into that group.
“I want to give credit to our defensive coaching staff and everybody who has helped develop my game to where it’s at
now and it’s going to be developed even more as we go through the season,” he said. “They are positioning me
correctly.”
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