Hard to believe, but there are under 20 days until the Broncos storm the Capital to take on the Hokies. As you may remember, last summer I embarked on the Herculean task of counting down a different roster spot for each remaining day until kickoff. So far this year, we're batting a thousand, so drop me notes of encouragement now and again so I can find the strength to get through the next couple months without breaking the streak.
We've got 18 days until kickoff...so today we'll be highlighting #18 on the Boise State roster—Aaron Burks
#18, Aaron Burks, RS Freshman, WR
Stats
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 186 lbs.
High School: Mansfield Timberview High School, Arlington, TX
How'd he get to The Blue™?
When Burks committed to play for the Broncos just before his senior season at Mansfield Timberview High School, he only had 7 catches and 79 yards to his name. Not much to go on, but obviously, the Bronco coaches had seen some potential in the lanky wideout who'd played in a run-heavy offense. Sure enough, Burks' senior year was much more productive as the coaches were emboldened to air the ball out more with a Division 1 scholarship-holder on the roster. Burks senior year saw him haul in 32 passes for 535 yards and 4 TDs and receive first-team all-conference recognition. Burks was only rated a 2-star by Scout.com, but wasn't rated at all until giving the Broncos his verbal pledge. A sleeper? Very much so. Burks had one other scholarship offer from Army.
Nickname
"Slim"
May I suggest hitting buffet row with Spencer Gerke?
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Look-a-like
via www.bet.com
Actor Tommy Davidson
Career highlights
First team all-conference as a senior at Mansfield Timberview. Honorable mention all-conference as a junior despite only 7 catches for 79 yards.
Career lowlight
Developed a bad case of the shakes after a chance encounter with Jeron Johnson on a crossing route.
2010 prospectus
After being way off the radar during the recruiting process, Burks nonetheless came in and nearly played as a true freshman. In fact, Burks so impressed the coaches last Fall that it looked like he, not the highly-touted Kirby Moore, would be taking the field for the Broncos in 2009. In the end—partly because of the WR slot he was projected to play—Burks did redshirt in 2009, and the 2010 receiving corps may be all the better for it.
Burks had a big Spring for the Broncos, showing that he can not only causie matchup problems for DBs with his height and leaping ability, but with his legs as well—routinely getting behind defenders for big gains throughout camp. Now, coupled with the emergence of Geraldo Hiwat this Fall, the wide receiver corps has gone from dangerously thin to ridiculously deep. Sure, Burks and Hiwat will still be at least 2nd on the pecking order behind stars Titus Young and Austin Pettis in 2010, but they'll be called upon often this season to provide extra targets for Kellen Moore and one can't help salivate at the possibilities of multiple tall, fast receivers on possession downs and in the red zone. Chris Potter and Mitch Burroughs, it should be noted, were listed on the pre-camp depth chart as the twos, but I'd be surprised if Burks, Hiwat, or both don't end up sliding into the two-slot by the time Labor Day arrives. At a bare minimum, Burks will gain valuable playing experience this year and make his case for becoming the starter at the X or Y in 2011. We'll still have Kellen Moore then...so bonus!
Completely made up fact
Burks fought city hall. It was a split-decision.