Interview: 5-Offer 2022 Virginia WR JaVawn Burden Updates Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football programs are finding a hidden talent at Princess Anne High School in sophomore receiver JaVawn Burden. Burden (6-3, 178) got reps at the 5A Virginia varsity level as a freshman which has led to five offers being dropped so far from East Carolina, Liberty, UNC-Charlotte, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. As the offers come in, Burden is taking in the recruiting process by visiting schools along the east coast learning more about what will later on inform his ideal fit at the collegiate level.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I got a few minutes with Burden to find out what he has been working on with his game in practice and for an update on his fall recruiting visits.
*Click link for April 2019 RNG video interview with JaVawn Burden
Interview
JaVawn, the Cavaliers are having a great season posting a 6-2 record thus far. What is working for you guys on both sides of the ball this season leading to the winning record?
“Last year, we were not communicating well. This season, we have bonded. We are hanging around each other and playing better as a team.”
What style of offense are you guys running?
“We run a Spread with trips.”
Which routes are you running this season?
“I run a lot of digs, slants, hitches, go routes, posts and comebacks.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game as a receiver?
“My route running and my catching has improved a lot.”
What are you working on practice every day?
“I work on my route running. I want to perfect it. I am only a sophomore, but I want to perfect that the best I can for next season. I am also working on my catching; it is good, but I want to make it better. I am also working on my blocking to block for my running backs and other receivers.”
Which schools are showing interest now?
“Penn State, Maryland, and Nebraska.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Where all have you gone on visits this fall?
“I went to Old Dominion last weekend, Virginia Tech before that, and East Carolina in September.”
Tell me about the ODU trip. “
“It went well. The game did not turn out how it was supposed to but we had a fun time.”
And Virginia Tech?
“It was fun. The game went into overtime; it was crazy. The atmosphere is really-really good there. The fans are hyped no matter if they are winning or losing. I like the atmosphere there.”
What about the ECU visit?
“It was fun too. They won. I went with Miles Austin from Ocean Lakes. We were watching their receivers, the plays, and sets. We had a fun time at the game.”
Are there any planned trips ahead?
“I am trying to go to UVA (Virginia), Liberty, UNC-Charlotte, and Penn State coming up.”
Last question. The team is on a two-game winning streak, what do you guys need to do to get a third consecutive on Friday against Landstown?
“We need to lock-in throughout the week. Our offense and defense need to dominate without taking plays off but have fun doing it. That is how we will beat Landstown.”
JaVawn, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and the team success closing out the year.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Burden family; JaVawn Burden at Under Armour All-American Camp