Interview: 2024 Servite LB Gage Burnett Starting Verses Trinity League Varsity Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
West of the Mississippi the competition level on the high school gridiron gets no better than in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles/Southern California. The head-to-head action in LA is arguably as good as it gets, maybe even for the entire country, with Mater Dei capturing back-to-back MaxPreps national championships in 2017-18 and Trinity League foe St. John Bosco laying claim in 2019. The only thing breaking up a national four-peat in the highly competitive conference was a truncated and relocated 2020 season to spring 2021… yet all the five-, four-, and three-star talents remain.
Giving chase to the Trinity League bluebloods this season is Servite. The Friars took both top programs to the wire while easily defeating their other conference rivals. One of the reasons for the strong play seen by the Friars this year is the rise of their underclassmen, and that includes Class of 2024 linebacker Gage Burnett. Burnett looks like anything but a freshman playing outside linebacker. The 6-0, 193-pound, defender reads his keys like an old pro and has that twitchy reaction lighting up ball carriers upon contact.
Three games into his freshman season, Burnett earned his first start against Mater Dei (24-17) following that up with another start in a walkaway road win against JSerra Catholic (52-0). With one more regular season game left against Santa Margarita, Burnett stopped by the RNG Lab for the first-time covering ground on his play on the field.
Interview
Gage, be it with your size or the way you read plays, you do not look like a freshman linebacker on the field. With the opportunity to play varsity ball this spring against Trinity League teams, how did you mentally prepare for the 2020 schedule?
First off, I have been preparing since the quarantine knowing I could play at Servite. Knowing that I could play against Mater Dei and Bosco, I have been preparing for this opportunity. Since my eighth-grade season with the Buckeyes, I have been preparing for this. I feel like I have always been preparing. Specifically, I have been watching film with my dad, knowing my keys, and treating every game the same.
Where all are you lining up on the field with the Friars this season?
For now, they have me at outside linebacker and some at defensive end.
What defensive scheme are you guys running?
We’ve been running a five-front, four- and three-front. It depends on the offense we are going against.
Playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country, what have you had to adapt to this season to be an impact player on the field?
I have been watching film with my dad and my coaches, coming in at lunch making sure I am comfortable with the game plan. With the physical, I have been pushing myself on the field and in the weight room to be as ready as I can.
Against which team did you make your first varsity start?
Mater Dei was my first.
What was that experience like playing against one of the best teams in the country in your first start?
It was a great experience for me even though we came up short. It was fun to be out there with the fans cheering. I had a great experience and I look forward to the next three years. I feel blessed as a freshman.
The Friars are balling this season going down to the wire with both St. John Bosco and Mater Dei. As a team, what is clicking for you guys making the entire squad so tough?
I think that being under Coach (Troy) Thomas and the rest of the staff and being surrounded by great people, that makes our defense good. We are disciplined and we do our job. That is why we’ve been playing well, because we are playing for each other.
Last time out the team took care of JSerra Catholic 52-0. How did that game go for you personally?
It was a good game. I went against their USC commit, Ryan Murphy. I had a good game. It was fun.
This week you get Santa Margarita (2-2). What are you expecting from the Eagles’ offense?
We are expecting a lot of quick passes, quick game from them, and regular run stuff. We are looking forward to a hard-fought last game and I am looking forward to it.
Gage, it was great talking about your season at the varsity level with Servite. Wishing you and the team a great finish to your 2020 season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Burnett family; Gage Burnett