Clemson leads for Florida defensive end

Life is good for Clay Burton. This rising senior prospect from Venice High School in Florida feels blessed for the opportunities he has. Burton, 6-4 and 235 pounds, is one of the state's top defensive end prospects. Or is he an outside linebacker?

"I think it will all depend on the scheme I go to once I pick a school," Burton said. "I think it's about 75-25 that I will play defensive end. But I could also be a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. It really doesn't matter to me."

Last season as a junior, Burton recorded 80 tackles and 12 sacks. He helped led his high school team deep into the playoffs, although they were upset by St. Petersburg High School.

"I have a really good motor and I play with a ton of intensity. I play fast and I play strong. I love to hit and make the big play out there. I just need to keep working on my technique and I would love to get faster.

"Losing to St. Pete is big motivation for us this off-season. We need to get it done and make a run at state this year. We have talent and just need to put it together. We need to get it done."

According to Burton he has six scholarship offers - Clemson (first), Notre Dame (last offer), Stanford, Rutgers, Purdue, and Florida International.

"Right now Clemson is No. 1 and Notre Dame is No. 2 with me. Everyone else is kind of right there. I went to the most recent junior day at Clemson. That was my third time there. Each visit up there gets better and better. It's a special feeling for me at Clemson. I love the coaches. They have good values and show a lot of respect to everyone in the program. The best is yet to come for them and I very excited for Clemson.

"Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Miami would also be up there for me and they are all recruiting me pretty hard."

Burton's older brother, Trey, signed with Florida. Would he like to follow his big brother and play for the Gators?

"Florida said they will evaluate me this spring so we will see what happens. I would love to play with Trey in college. We are really close. We are best friends. But I will do what is best for me. I would be honored to play for the Florida Gators but I will do what is best for me."

Burton is scheduled to visit USF this coming weekend and Notre Dame on March 20th.