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DE Brian Burns has 'all the tools' to make early impact

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Freshman defensive end Brian Burns already has earned respect of teammates and coaches. (Gene Williams/Warchant)

Throughout the preseason, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has had positive things to say about several members of his prized 2016 recruiting class.

He's discussed the potential he's seen from five-star defensive back Levonta Taylor, four-star running back Amir Rasul and a group of six offensive linemen who could represent the best freshman OL class in school history.

Because they're going to be starters from day one, Fisher has spoken frequently about kickers Ricky Aguayo and Logan Tyler; Aguayo is going to handle field goals, while Tyler will be the punter and kickoff specialist.

Of all the freshmen, though, Fisher's highest praise seems to be reserved for defensive end Brian Burns. Oddly enough, Fisher's strongest compliment might have come when Burns missed FSU's open practice at Doak Campbell with a quad contusion.

"I wish Burns was out here. I wish you could have saw Burnsy," Fisher said. "I've been super high on him."

Fisher would later add Burns has a chance to be, "a really, really good player."

Those feelings appear to be unanimous throughout the Seminoles' locker room. In a matter of weeks, the four-star prospect from Fort Lauderdale has earned from praise from numerous players and coaches, including star defensive end DeMarcus Walker and position coach Brad Lawing.

And there certainly appears to be an opportunity for early playing time, given FSU's tenuous depth at defensive end. FSU has eight scholarship ends, with Walker and sophomore Josh Sweat as the undoubted starters. Others like Keith Bryant, Adam Torres and Jalen Wilkerson are making transitions from other positions. Plus, those three and freshman Janarius Robinson have all missed significant time this preseason with injuries.

"We're counting on Brian," Lawing said. "He's got tremendous skills. He's a lot like Josh Sweat was at this time of year a year ago. So he's just got to adapt to the college game. Understand that everything is not run straight upfield. You have to play run defense, too. And he's learning that. He's gotten better at it.

"But as an athlete, his upside is tremendous for his future."

In high school, Burns was something of a secret when he transferred from Davie (Fla.) University School to state power Plantation American Heritage, which sits about 15 minutes away. His profile increased with the move to Heritage, but he was overshadowed during the team's two consecutive Class 5A championship runs by older teammates Tarvarus McFadden and Torrance Gibson.

The departures of Gibson to Ohio State and McFadden to Florida State paved the way for Burns to become the face of the program in 2015. His 6-foot, 5-inch frame made Burns easy to spot, and he blossomed into arguably the best defensive player in South Florida.

Burns was such a threat to opposing offenses as a senior that teams would have to devise schemes to counter his strengths.

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