Robert Burns to Miami: 2017 RB Commits to Canes over Alabama, FSU and More
The pipeline between Miami and nearby Gulliver Prep continued to strengthen on Monday morning, as standout 2017 running back Robert Burns committed to the Hurricanes:
The 5'10", 210-pound prospect becomes the fourth player from the Miami-Dade County institution to pledge to Miami since last summer. That group includes teammates Joseph Jackson (defensive end), Cedrick Wright (safety) and Dionte Mullins (wide receiver), who are each members of the 2016 class.
Burns became the progam's next coveted recruit with strong underclassman campaigns. The speedy sophomore has developed a reputation as a playmaker who is capable of taking it the distance regardless of where he receives the football.
He is tremendously agile, a credit to sustained balance in the trenches and beyond. Burns exhibits excellent bend, building momentum that results in violent collisions at the point of contact.
His size at this stage suggests he could eventually develop into a physical specimen with workhorse potential in college. Burns' blend of burst and physicality brings a balanced approach to the offensive backfield.
Though complete composite rankings haven't yet been created for the 2017 class, expect Burns to land among the top-rated rushers in Florida. Surrounded by significant talent at Gulliver Prep and bolstered by another year of physical maturation, he appears primed for a dominant junior campaign this fall.
Plenty of coaching staffs have already identified Burns as a valuable commodity in his class. The Hurricanes overcame nearly 20 other collegiate suitors, including Alabama, Clemson, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Ohio State.
Burns was drawn to the Hurricanes because he believes plenty of promise is in place for a program renaissance.
"They've made some coaching changes. They seem like they are going back to how it was in the past," Burns told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. "It's intriguing."
Miami has enjoyed an impressive stretch on the recruiting trail, holding 18 pledges in a 2016 class that tops 247Sports' composite rankings.
Head coach Al Golden and his staff are also off to a strong start in the 2017 cycle. Burns gives the Hurricanes four sophomore commitments in a haul that also includes fellow local running back Bentavious Thompson.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
