Channelview LB has several offers

Patrolling the defense for Channelview, Texas, located on one of the largest ports in the world – the Houston Ship Channel, Marcus Burton is as big as a stevedore.

College recruiters have traveled from far distances, like ships in the night, with hopes of landing the 6-2, 235-pound defensive end. Burton currently has offers from Colorado, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Missouri and Houston; while Texas, Texas A&M and Arkansas are nearing. He doesn’t list a favorite to date.

“Marcus is a stand-up defensive end or outside linebacker, who has great size and can run,” Channelview coach Launius John said. “He can rush the passer from either position and is so explosive.”

Burton transferred from Jack Yates High School in the Houston’s inner city after his sophomore season. He started for Yates’ varsity team and tallied 21 sacks as a sophomore. At Channelview last season, Burton racked up over 130 tackles en route to a first-team, all-district selection.

“His stepfather is Dale Joseph, who played some in the Canadian Football League, and moved out of the inner city for a little easier living,” John said. “They came here and the competition is still very good.”

Channelview finished 5-5 last season, playing in the same district at Class 4A champion La Marque and Texas City.