Four-star weak side defensive end Brian Burns committed to Florida State earlier today. The 6'5 209 pound defensive lineman was rated as the 51st best player in the nation and fifth best weak side defensive end according to 24/7 sports. Burns officially visited Florida State on January 29th, a week after he visited Gainesville, and made an unofficial visit this past October. Defensive ends coach Brad Lawing and linebackers coach Bill Miller headed the recruitment team for the newest Seminole. Burns chose FSU over 24 other schools including UF, Georgia, Alabama, Clemson and Georgia.
A student at American Heritage in Plantation, Florida, Burns has dominated the competition his last two seasons. In 2014, Burns has 75 tackles and 12 sacks including 17.5 tackles for loss. This past season, Burns improved on his pay, leading to 16 sacks in 11 games played. His high school finished the 2015 season at 9-2 before losing in the second round of the season. Burns played again after the season in the Army All-America Bowl playing alongside fellow Florida State commits Janarius Robinson, Jamel Cook, Josh Ball and Josh Brown.
The Florida State defensive line is pretty much set up for 2016 with Demarcus Walker returning and Josh Sweat, however with Walker graduating after the season, Burns can use this as a learning opportunity and potentially start alongside Sweat in 2017.
Former FSU players certainly were't bashful about turning up the heat on Burns, taking to Twitter in the days leading up to his decision:
Said Antonio Cromartie:
Want to give a big shout to @Fire_Burns99. On his visit @FSU_Football. Man you might a well commit you want find a better program. Have fun!
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) January 30, 2016
Travis Johnson commented as well, and Bryant McFadden added some thoughts:
Y'all send a big Shout out 2 the soon 2 B new NOLE @Fire_Burns99 who's on his trip 2 tally!Let's get him committed pic.twitter.com/POoY5gD06o
— Travis Johnson (@trapj99) January 29, 2016
Let's go @Fire_Burns99,from Broward to Leon county. Greatness awaits u in Tallahassee. #NoleFam https://t.co/5pTI3gkHH9
— Bryant McFadden (@BMac_120) January 29, 2016