McBurrows to Michigan
Aquinas CB excited to be a Wolverine, play for Harbaugh
Although the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to all spring sports in Florida, recruiting has not stopped.
The NCAA has instituted a national dead period through May 31 because of the coronavirus outbreak, but coaches and players can still communicate over the phone and electronically. Players can also still receive verbal scholarship offers, plot their futures and verbally commit to programs.
With Broward and Palm Beach counties still boasting dozens of future college football players, we’re checking in with various prospects to see how their recruitment is going despite the disruption.
The series continues with St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback Ja’Den McBurrows.
McBurrows, a first-team all-county selection as a junior, had 30 1⁄2 tackles, 14 pass deflections and five interceptions — including three pick-sixes last season. He is rated a three-star prospect and the No. 44 cornerback in the 2021 class by 247Sports’ composite ranking.
McBurrows committed to the Michigan Wolverines on Friday and discussed his decision with the Sun Sentinel. Here is what he had to say: What did you like about Michigan?
“Michigan made me a top priority, and at Michigan I can see myself playing [there]. They play a lot of man-to-man and [defensive coordinator] Don Brown has been coaching for a long time and … I could see me getting coached by them and what Coach Brown knows.” How important was it for you to get your recruiting wrapped up before your senior season?
“It was important because COVID-19 was messing everything up, such as visits and talking with coaches. So I had to lock me in a spot [at] Michigan because I could see myself playing there. That was a great move for me.”
Have you had a chance to get up to Michigan for a visit?
“No. I’m going there June 19.”
Was it tougher to make the call to commit having never visited?
“Yeah, it was tough, but it was a great move. The coaches made me a top priority, and it was going to be bad if I didn’t go where they wanted me, where they need me at.”
From watching you last year, it seemed like every single time you played, you were making big plays either on defense or special teams. What role on defense and special teams does Michigan have planned for you?
“They just said they were going to take my speed on special teams, such as kick returns and punt returns, and they said they’ll play me at corner and at nickel and everything.”
Did being further from home come into play? Was that something you looked over or did you want to get out of Florida and see someplace new?
“Yeah, I wanted to get out of Florida.”
I ask every player who heads up north from South Florida: What do you expect, weather-wise? Michigan is a lot different than South Florida.
“Yeah, I know it’s cold up there, so I’ve got to buy me some boots.”
What are you looking forward to the most about getting up there?
“I’m looking forward to being coached by [Michigan coach Jim] Harbaugh and just, like, class because I know their classes are hard. I’m looking forward to that.”