Advertisement
football Edit

In-state battle for Burton

Sure he plans to take other visits and look at the out of state schools, but when it all boils down to it, it seems like Muskogee, Okla., four-star strongside defensive end Derek Burton to be an Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma battle. And from talking to the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder both in-state schools have a good shot at landing him.
"I wouldn't say Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are my top teams, but they probably have the upper hand since they're closest," Burton said.
Advertisement
"Of the out-of-state schools recruiting me, I like Tennessee the most. They've got great tradition and a pretty good football team. I've talked to the defensive line coach a few times and he's a real good guy."
But there are some pretty strong ties to both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State that are going to be tough to cut.
"My dad played at Oklahoma State, but he's not pushing me to play there or anything," Burton said. "They've done a really good job recruiting me, and the coaches are really friendly."
So what about the Sooners?
"Other than location, they're Oklahoma," Burton said. "They have great facilities and a great tradition. It would just be a real cool place to play. I like coach Jackie Shipp there. Our relationship is pretty good with both him and coach Kevin Wilson.
Burton said he's got a tough decision ahead of himself.
"My parents would like me to stay in-state," he said. "I don't have to or anything, but if I can find a school in-state where I fit in I'll stay in state. If I really like my visit to Tennessee or Texas Tech, I'll go where I think I should be.
"I wouldn't mind hearing from Colorado. They've been playing well lately and they're pretty close to home. Close enough where my parents would be able to see me play a lot."
In the end, Burton said he'll just have to go by his gut feeling.
"I guess location, education and a place where I will fit will be the keys," Burton said. "I keep telling everyone a place I think is best for me after I meet the players and the coaches. Then I'll start to know where I will end up."
Last week, Burton and his teammates got to celebrate a big homecoming victory over Sand Springs.
"We beat the 46-24," Burton said. "They're an alright team, but they probably won't make the playoffs. I played alright. I've had better games, but I had a couple tackles and a few pressures. I didn't end up with any sacks, but their offense was pretty much made up of quick passes. When they ran they'd always go to the opposite side I was on, it seemed like."
Derek Burton VideoClick Burton, a member of the Rivals250, is the third-rated prospect in Oklahoma and the No. 18 rated strongside defensive end.Here to view this Link.
Advertisement