Buford TE stepping into the spotlight

Buford (Ga.) High School has one of the best programs in the entire country over the last few years. As expected in a powerhouse program like that, some younger players may not elbow their way into a starting job until late in their careers. However, once they get there, they take advantage.

Such is the case with 2009 tight end prospect Devin Durden. At 6-4, 215 pounds and running a 4.57 40, it is hard to imagine Durden spending too much time on the bench. But with two major D-I recruits ahead of him last season, that's exactly where he was much of the time.

"I was more of a role player last year," Durden said. "I wasn't really a go-to guy because I backed up two D-I players in JT Swanson (who would sign with Miami-OH) and (Florida signee) TJ Pridemore moved from fullback to tight end. So I backed them up. I really made my living on special teams."

With Swanson and Pridemore gone, Durden is counted on much more heavily as a senior and he has already made an impact. In Buford's run-heavy offense, Durden's role is more as a blocker than a pass-catcher but with his strength and explosiveness, he still manages to stand out.

"Looking back in the spring time, they threw me the ball a whole lot," he said. "I've had – even to my surprise – a great season blocking-wise which is really what I've focused on because I know I can catch the ball.

"I've only had two or three catches this season but it's really because we haven't needed to throw the ball. I'm really a third down tight end because I have good hands and good speed so they give me the ball when we need a first down."

Durden was able to showcase his abilities at several camps and events this summer where he impressed some college coaches. He also was able to improve himself physically by gaining 15 pounds and maintaining his sub-4.6 speed. Durden also jumps nearly 32 inches, runs a 4.1 shuttle and squats 405 pounds, while power cleaning 305.

Durden's physical attitude is a perfect fit for his high school program and he hopes to attend a school that has a similar winning mentality to his high school program as well.

"I love when people talk about Buford football that's what they need to know is that physical play," he said. "All of our guys take pride in that. Even positions that don't have to be physical like wide receiver, those guys take pride in being physical. In college, I'd like to go somewhere where they win football games. It's hard coming from a school like I'm at and go somewhere that doesn't win football games."