FORT COLLINS — Somewhere between Davis Burl’s genetic destiny as a track sprinter/defensive back and the reality of Colorado State’s personnel needs, the redshirt freshman emerged as a linebacker.
Three generations of Burls became synonymous with track and football speed in Colorado. Davis’ grandfather, Alex, is in CSU’s athletic Hall of Fame as a world-class sprinter and cornerback in the then-embryonic NFL. Burl and his grandfather talk regularly, mostly about school.
His father, Gary, and uncles, Gerald and Farley, were runners for Arizona State. Gerald was a member of a world record-setting 1,600 relay team. His dad also played cornerback three seasons for the Miami Dolphins.
Davis Burl signed with CSU in 2008 as a safety off Grandview’s state championship team. In high school, he followed his family’s fleet footsteps as a state finalist in the 100 and 200 meters.
He wanted to play safety. CSU’s staff projected more needs at linebacker before last spring.
“I’m the biggest,” he said of straying from the family position. Although he matches his dad’s height at 6-feet-1, he said his father played college ball weighing 160 pounds. Davis checks in at 225 pounds, which he admits is still on the light side for a linebacker.
“He’s an extremely athletic kid. We felt like it was the best spot for him,” CSU defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Larry Kerr said. “He can run to guys, and he can be a blitzer around the edge. He’s big and physical enough to play over a tight end.”
Burl attracted interest from Pac-10 schools but didn’t see much action at safety for Grandview as a senior. He was primarily a blocking back while gaining fewer than 500 yards.
He should have empathy for CSU unsung fullback Zac Pauga, but Burl doesn’t after a few collisions in practice.
“He’s a strong dude,” Burl said. “He doesn’t need sympathy.”
Burl had to keep from feeling sorry for himself when he took off last spring to attend to personal issues. CSU coach Steve Fairchild said Burl was considered part of the team the entire time. Still, Burl worried as redshirts Alex Williams and James Skelton won extended looks from the staff.
Burl joined the team for summer workouts and forced his way on special teams. Injuries juggled the linebacking rotation, and Burl drew his first start last week at TCU.
“He’s just a very raw football player right now,” Kerr said. “He’s still just learning how to play the position.”
As difficult a lesson as it was, the 38-point loss to TCU was a good learning experience for CSU’s younger players. They were tested against a balanced offense. This week San Diego State is almost all passing.
Kerr said between scout-team duties last fall and missing the spring, Burl is in some ways a true freshman.
For all the bragging about family speed and the foot races involving his father and uncles, Davis said he never had a race with his father.
“He got too old,” he joked.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
Three questions for CSU
1. Will Colorado State’s running game recover against San Diego State after the loss of Leonard Mason? The team’s leading rusher (511 yards) hasn’t been completely ruled out, but bruised ribs make an appearance unlikely. It took nearly half a season for Mason to emerge as the most consistent running threat. The Aztecs are giving up 150.3 yards rushing a game.
2. Will the Rams do a better job controlling top Aztecs receiver Vincent Brown than they did a week ago when three TCU receivers were open for big plays? Brown could hit his 130-yard average easily against the NCAA’s 104th-ranked pass defense. The Rams’ secondary took a big hit losing safety Klint Kubiak (torn pectoral muscle). Several others will have to step up.
3. Does another special-teams adventure await the Rams? As soon as CSU addressed some deficiencies in kickoff coverage, TCU punt returner Jeremy Kerley started the rout with a 69-yard touchdown return for MWC player of the week honors. Watch out, because Brown also returns kickoffs for the Aztecs.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
