We’re back to give you guys an update on the recent addition to the #20Strong class. Without further ado, let’s get after it!
OLB Frankie Burgess Commits to the Bulls
With the 18th commit to the Bulls 2020 class, the coaching staff landed OLB Frankie Burgess (@Frankburgess22) out of Pahokee High School in Pahokee, FL. Burgess announced his commitment on September 27th via Twitter, giving the Bulls another piece at the OLB/DE position including current #20Strong commits in Tyler Berrong, Chance Coleman, and Levontae Camiel. Let’s discuss USF’s newest #20Strong OLB with a look at his tape and my thoughts on his future on the Bulls roster.
The Scoop
Currently unranked by 247Sports, Burgess has been an under the radar recruit so far in his recruitment, holding offers from schools such as FAU, FIU, Western Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, and Valdosta State to date. Recruits such as Burgess have the chance to pick up more offers before Early Signing Day arrives in December, so keep your eyes peeled on the #20Strong commits that pick up offers before either signing day. Let’s take a look at the Hudl tape and see what USF will be getting with Burgess at OLB/DE in the coming years.
The Tape
Although having limited film on Burgess, what I saw from the stand-up DE/OLB from Pahokee High School was a prototype OLB at the next level who could either line up on the end or drop back into a true OLB spot in a 4-3 defensive scheme behind the DL. Burgess is a high motor player, roaming sideline to sideline after disengaging with the tackle in front of him. His speed and quickness off the edge is deceptive at his size, standing at 6-3, 215 LBs according to 247Sports. Given his athleticism, I like his potential as a pass-rusher on the outside with the added ability to drop back into coverage to cover the flat if a RB or TE run to that side of the field. Whether on the line of scrimmage or behind the DTs at ILB, Burgess shows the potential to be effective no matter where you place him on the field.
The Verdict
Compared to Levontae Camiel out of Lake City, FL, I project Burgess to be used in a similar fashion where the coaching staff will likely use both at OLB/off the edge as a walk-up backer on the line. Greg Reaves (who predominately plays as an end on the line) and Dwayne Boyles who moves back and forth between ILB and OLB, Burgess projects in the same way as both players. What I’ll be curious to see from Burgess is how he develops as a pass-rusher as this is an area in his game that may determine his position on the field at the next level. Until that is known, view Burgess as an OLB for now.
Leave your thoughts and comments below and be sure to tune in next week when I update Bulls fans on all things USF Football recruiting!