Vontaze Burfict: Why the Arizona State Sun Devils Must Keep Him Around for 2012

The Arizona State Sun Devils' season did not turn out as expected, and neither did the play of star middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict. While Burfict is still a force to be reckoned with, many can tell that there is still much more in there and that he needs another season to learn to expose his skills. If Burfict is smart, he will stay with the Sun Devils for one more season.

Burfict is the engine that moves this Sun Devils defense, and without him who knows how threatening they will be in 2012? While Burfict has seemed to disappear at times, there is no doubt that he is the guy who every offensive coordinator focuses on before each game against the Sun Devils.

There have been times where Burfict has looked phenomenal, but there are other times where one has to ask, "What is all the hype?" Well, the hype is there, as well as the potential, but Burfict hasn't been able to play in the right system to expose that talent.

If the Sun Devils get a new head coach for the 2012 season—and they likely will—they must bring in someone who is going to unlock the potential of all these players.

Early in the season, all the Sun Devils' players looked excited—pumped. Down the stretch, they have looked exhausted and lackadaisical. This all comes from the coaching, and it has been no secret that discipline has been one of head coach Dennis Erickson's weaknesses all along.

The Sun Devils constantly seem to hold Burfict back, as he has become afraid of creating big penalties on the defense. So what does that mean you do? Obviously, you teach him how to do it right. If the Sun Devils are not able to teach Burfict by now, his junior year, obviously the coaching isn't doing its job.

Sure, the blame could be pointed at Burfict, but take a second look at the entire team and you will notice something consistent—lack of discipline on the field.

Burfict has the talent—everyone knows that. The Sun Devils know that, NFL scouts know that and, most importantly, the Sun Devils' opponents know that. Many also know that Burfict doesn't always use his talent properly. As USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley was quoted:

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"[Burfict] is a dirty player," the quarterback said, basing his opinion on what he suggests were efforts by the linebacker to injure him by diving at his knees during a high school game.

"His switch is always on. And it's not a good switch."

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While Burfict has this style of going at guys hard, he needs to be coached on how to do it properly so that he can be effective. Otherwise, he will not be deemed ready to play in the NFL. So far, he has yet to make a change since the beginning. It is inefficient coaching, and that is hurting Burfict—with the Sun Devils or not.

Considering the play of the Sun Devils of late—more importantly, the play of the defense—Burfict's draft stock is dropping. This isn't entirely his fault, but if he continues to drop, there would be no reason for him to leave. Before the season, he was at least a top-10 pick. Now, he could be dropping out of the top 10, and that means millions.

Under a new system, Burfict has the potential to become the player he is destined to be. The talent is there, but it is being withheld. If the Sun Devils can bring in a coach who can turn this team around and teach Burfict how to be a dangerous threat while playing the game right, he could be the next Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher. Yes, that is how dangerous this guy could be. His talent just hasn't had a chance to shine to its fullest.

If the Sun Devils can retain Burfict next season under a new system, there is no reason to eliminate the Sun Devils as what potentially could be a great team in 2012.