An Interview with Charles Burks

First of all, that tape has DEFINITELY been sped up in some spots. There's one point where a slot guy goes in motion that you can tell is half-speed or three-quarters speed, but it looks like he's running a 4.1 forty.

Regardless, he still looks good. Do you know if he's ever participated in martial arts of any sort? I know he said he's a wrestler - and he must be decent if he's traveling all the way to Ohio for a tournament - but some of his moves look like he's taken judo classes or something.

All that being said, he almost looks more like a middle linebacker than a defensive end. I wish he wouldn't reach so much and make all those one-handed, grab-the-jersey tackles. But that's what high schoolers do if they're strong enough, I guess.

How's his pad level? Is he a knee-bender?

Video looks great. Looks like he plays with a real mean streak.

The kid plays like someone just kicked his dog and I like it.

I wonder if he could be a MLB at his size? He plays with a nice motor and is really strong at the point of attack.

Kids coming ll the way from Cali on his own dime. Knows the rich tradition and sees where the program is headed. I hope he likes what he sees this weekend as he sounds like he's got a good head on his shoulders. 6'1" 230 running a 4.6ish could be LB material or add 30lbs and keep the speed and you have....

He's got Dwight Freeney's uniform # and build - he just needs to develop that inside spin move that Freeney uses because I'm pretty sure he won't be able to throw the tackle to the ground in college. Looks like a good one though - hope he has a good visit.

Definitely see the wrestling influence in his play. He seems to have the motor to chase down a play across and down field as well. Sure like his motivation and hope he impresses.

He sounds like a great kid. Thanks for the interview Tom!

Father always knows best.
Also, our helmets got wings...

One word: NASTY!

All the flaws have already been mentioned, so there is no need for me to re-hash them. But this guy is just...well...MEAN; and that is EXACTLY the kind of attitude I want to see from defensive players in the winged helmet.

Give me a player like Burks who will go out on the field with the intention of ripping someone's head off. We'll teach him proper technique once he gets here.

I love it when players bring up the winning tradition U of M has. In light of the past couple of seasons, some people act as if bringing up any sort of tradition/past success equates to sticking your head in the sand. I can't wait until we are winning again, and all the "sky is falling" types try to limp back to the bandwagon with their tails between their legs.

Burks also likes to wear war paint.

Thanks for posting this interview.
I live in OC California and one of the traditional H.S. football powers here is indeed Edison (Huntingon Beach). They're uniforms are a distinctive mix between the Green Bay Packers and the more local San Diego Chargers. Edison went 13-1 last fall and defeated both Mater Dei and Servite in the regular season, but lost to Servite later in the playoffs.

Burks is truly an outstanding player. Here's his profile on OCVarsity with some photos: http://www.ocvarsity.com/sections/players-detail/?playerID=156288&roster....
He is big. At least 6-7 and 220+ lbs.

As someone who makes a SoCal-to-Michigan flight on a somewhat regular basis, this kid has my sympathies. God I hate that flight. Hope everything turns out well for him.

He's also a very nice, and polite kid. He didn't come away with an offer, but he said he really liked campus, and all the facilities.

The kid looks really impressive, also can tell he is a good person.

I couldn't agree more about this kid's nasty approach to the game. I like it. I also agree that his tackling form is horrible. Most of those arm tackles are not tackles at all in NCAA Div 1 football. Teach him how to hit, wrap, drive, and this kid could play in multiple positions on the defense. Hope he goes blue soon.

Looks good. As others have stated, he looks more like a LB or run stuffing end than a pass rushing end. Plays a little high and doesn't punish people with his follow through on a tackle. I like his handwork, looks alot like the the "hump" move Reggie White was known for. I don't know if that will translate over to college tackles but he looks like a good prospect.

This is great and glad to see this. Really happy to see this video and enjoyed the same. Thanks for posting here.

Alpha

I really like his explosion to the ball. He seems to go from stop to full speed in one step.

I do have a question though. Is anyone else concerned by the "no offer/lack of offer" on alot of the guys interviewed or listed in the recruiting board? I know the coaches know far more than I do about what they're looking for or who they offer. But it's just concerning when alot of these guys with Michigan interest aren't getting offered early.

It seems like he really knows where he is headed and what he wants to do with his life. He may end up changing his course but he looks as if he has a lot of promise. Good luck to him and his decisions.