Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arkansas OT Brock Burns Updates Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As all aspiring college football players are supposed to do, Brock Burns turned in another great performance on the field showing massive improvement across the board during his junior campaign. The 6-4, 290-pound, offensive tackle was the brute force in the trenches for Ozark High School helping the Hillbillies make another deep playoff run, and college scouts are taking notice.
In a run-heavy offense, Burns was repeatedly able to show his skills at down blocking, getting to the second level, and kicking out ends to open up holes for his running backs. With the opportunities given to showcase his pass-pro for college scouts, Burns displayed his kick, lateral movement, balance, and hand placement against end, linebackers, and streaking safeties. The end result of his 2020 season included becoming a two-time All-Conference selection, named to the All-Arkansas Prep Team, and offers earned from Kansas and Middle Tennessee.
In a return visit to the RNG Lab, the three-star Class of 2022 prospect covers ground on his developing skills, offseason goals, and recruiting process.
Interview
Brock, how did the 2020 season go for you personally on the field?
I enjoyed it very much. It was a big improvement from the year before. As a team, we didn’t make it as far but overall we had a pretty good season. The seniors going out, I will miss them a lot. I am looking forward to next year.
With your run blocking, how did you take your skills to that next level from the 2019 campaign?
After getting my legs stronger, I had more explosion in my hips and my footwork was quicker getting to the linebackers and linemen. Overall, I was faster and stronger, and did so about 20 pounds heavier.
Where did you see the differences with your pass-protection?
That was also with my footwork. I was quicker off the first step and with my kick-step. I was quicker at getting to the linebackers or safeties that were coming down. During my sophomore year I lunged a bit and was getting over my toes. This season I sat back more than last year. I did not lunge so they could do a swim move on me. I played calm and aggressive at the same time.
Did you track your pancakes and/or knockdowns?
We did, but I am not sure how many I had.
Me asking you to guess, about how many per game were you getting?
I was probably getting three to five pancakes. I had seven or eight in one game.
And what about with your knockdowns?
We don’t count knockdowns.
What are you working on with your skills this offseason?
I have been doing a lot of footwork stuff, getting stronger, and eating healthy. I am putting on more muscle, getting my feet quicker, and training. This offseason I have been jumping rope, that will help me a ton.
Going into the weight room, what are some of the lifts and exercises you’ve been doing?
Power and hang clean, squats, bench – all of it. I am doing something every day to get my body ready for the season but I am not overloading on just bench and squats.
The last time you maxed out what numbers did you put up?
I got 280 on bench and 365 on squat. By this summer, my goal is to be a 300-pound bench and 400-pound squat guy.
Based on your maxes, you may get that next month.
Thank you.
Let’s turn to camps. Are there any camps you may go compete at this spring or summer?
I am looking at the Spring Showcase Prep Red Zone in Dallas. That is an offensive/defensive linemen camp at Dallas Cowboy Stadium. There are some Monster Camps coming up I plan to go to.
Going into recruiting; which schools are showing interest?
Georgetown and Air Force.
Which schools have dropped offers?
Kansas and Middle Tennessee.
Are there any visits you may take this summer?
I’d love to see as many schools as I possibly can. That is the fun part of recruiting. I have missed a lot of it because of the virus, and it is about to be my senior season. I have only visited Arkansas so far.
Brock, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you the best in the weight room and at the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Burns family; Brock Burns