Hey everyone, football is less than three weeks away. That makes me really excited. What doesn't make me excited is Fox Sports 1.
Ah well, 18 days until kickoff means we'll be highlighting #18 on the roster - Aaron Burks.
#18, Aaron Burks, Senior, WR
Stats
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205lbs
High School: Mansfield Timberview High School, Arlington TX
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Burks wasn't the most highly recruited prospect out of high school, and only received one other scholarship offer (Army) besides the Broncos. His under-recruitment may have stemmed from a slow junior season, which is when the Broncos came knocking. Thankfully, Pete's crystal ball spoke and foresaw a dynamite senior season and first-team all-conference recognition. As a senior, Burks caught 32 passes (in a run-heavy offense) for 535 yards and 4 TDs.
Nickname
"Burkel"
Sorry, Drew, had to steal it. Couldn't top this.
Look-a-like
Right?
Career Highlights
Played in each of the Broncos' 13 games (2012), including two starts. First career start came against New Mexico. Caught first career touchdown pass against Hawai'i on November 10. Appeared in all 13 games of the 2011 season. First team all-conference as a senior at Mansfield Timberview.
2013 Prospectus
This is where I'm supposed to say that Aaron Burks is going to have a break-out year in 2013, right? Is it just me, or does it feel like we've been talking about this for like half a decade now? Burks has a huge frame, great speed, and by all accounts should be a star receiver. I should also be rich and famous based on my charm and ability to impersonate Justin Timberlake. But hey, not everyone lives up to their potential, right?
Hopefully I'm wrong, and Burks will blossom a bit more this year. After all, it's his last chance. If 2012 is any indication of him picking up speed, 2013 should be a good year. Last season, Burks had 17 receptions for 319 yards. Just for some perspective, his career stats are 29 receptions for 434 yards. Most of Burks' production came in 2012, and we're hoping to continue that in 2013.
Burks is slotted in behind Matt Miller, which means everything and nothing at the same time. Miller will obviously get a bulk of the reps, but with how often the Broncos are subbing in receivers, Burks shouldn't have a hard time being targeted this year. And with an improved Southwick behind center, Burks should have an even greater opportunity to produce. Fingers crossed.
Completely made up fact
Aaron Burks is president of the Aca-pletes Glee Club at Boise State. The club is an athlete-only group of talented (kind of) singers who love to get together on the weekends and choreograph Mariah Carey chart-toppers.