Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Brian Burns takes lofty comparisons in stride
BRADENTON — Florida State defensive end coach Mark Snyder has worked with his fair share of standout defenders during his career.
So it was not hard for Snyder, who has nearly 30 years of coaching experience, to compare FSU junior defensive end Brian Burns to a significant player from his past.
“In some ways, his get off and his bend reminds me of Myles Garrett — that’s the only guy I’ve been around that can do what Brian can do rushing the quarterback,” Snyder said.
Burns surely does appreciate the comparison to Garrett, the former Texas A&M standout and former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. But he knows there’s plenty more he can do to improve his game, especially in his new role as FSU’s standout defender in a new scheme this season.
“[Snyder] hasn’t told me that personally, but it means a lot,” Burns said Wednesday of the compliment with a laugh. “Myles Garrett is a freak, so just being compared to him in general is amazing and a blessing.”
After playing alongside DeMarcus Walker and Josh Sweat, Burns will become the FSU target of many opposing offensive linemen trying to slow his path to the quarterback.
Behind Walker, who was second in the nation with 16.5 sacks in 2016, Burns was able to lead all freshmen nationally with 9.5 sacks, earning freshmen All-American honors and the new school record for sacks by a freshman in a season.
As a sophomore, Burns’ numbers may not have been as gaudy, with 9.5 of his 13.5 tackles for loss coming in the final five games of the season. He also had four of his 4.5 sacks in the same span.
But his impact was felt against some of the nation’s best, including a performance at Clemson where he became the first FSU player to have two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in the same game.
Now, Burns hopes to put it all together for a standout junior season.
During ACC Kickoff in July, Burns said he told former FSU defensive end Peter Boulware he was going after his single-season record of 19 sacks set in 1996.
Before Wednesday’s practice at IMG Academy, Burns had a sly remark when asked if he had a sack goal in mind this season.
“Confidential,” Burns said with a smile.
Burns’ 6-5, 235 frame is not one of a traditional defensive end. He may have some difficulties getting into shoving matches with offensive tackles, but has the speed and quickness to swim right by them.
Burns says he is working on his technique to shed linemen, and gaining weight. He is striving to be in the best shape of his life so he can play with more physicality and give “100 percent every play.”
Snyder also wants Burns to hone in on his defensive attack against opposing rushing attacks.
“I’ve had other guys that were probably a little bit better against the run,” Snyder said of Burns. “That’s our challenge with him. … He has some special tools.”
With the chance to attack more in defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett’s new defense, Burns is giddy about the opportunities he will be afforded this season.
“That does motivate me,” Burns said. “Of course, I’m going to have challenges with chips and double teams and what not. With the guys we have, I don’t see that being a problem because if they double team me, they have to look out for [Joshua] Kaindoh, [Janirus Robinson] and Wally [Aime]. So we got guys, trust me.”
After naming his defensive end teammates, Burns was also complimentary of defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Demarcus Christmas and Fred Jones.
Although Burns is well aware other schools, like Clemson, receive media attention for having the best defensive lines in the country, Burns believes Florida State’s defensive line deserves some respect, too.
But Burns is not about campaigning for that accolade. He’s going to let the Seminoles’ performance this season speak for itself.
“Everybody puts our D-line in the shadows, but that’s fine. Everything in the dark comes to the light,” Burns said. “I’m not going to speak on that. You’ll just have to wait and see.”