Kansas Jayhawk Walk-On Off To a Running Start

He's not perfect. No one is. He's no better a person than you or me.

It is obvious, though, that this Jayhawk is a young man who really seems to have his life in order. That's impressive for an 19-year-old freshman football practice squad (red-shirt) walk-on at such an early stage of his collegiate career.

But before I tell you his story, I should at least tell you his name. The aspiring athlete I speak of is Ryan Burton, and I had the extreme pleasure of an informal chat with him the other day.

Here is just a fraction of what we had to talk about...

(J.D.) How would you describe the opportunities available to you on the football field here in Lawrence?

(Ryan) We receive the same opportunities as the scholarship players, but you have to go even farther above and beyond to be noticed.

Is there a specific football player, scholarship or no, that you try to model yourself after?

Not a specific role model, but any walk-on who succeeds at the collegiate football level, defies the odds and finds success in the uphill battle is a model for me.

How much interaction do you have with the other running backs and what do you try to take and learn from them?

I’ve gotten to know Toben well, we were roommates during training camp, I get to practice with Jake every day and our lockers are all next to each other. I learn a lot from competing with Jake, Toben, Rell and the others during practice and I can take a lot from seeing how they go about playing in games and in practice and benefit from their experience as well.

If you don't mind me asking, what's the hardest hit you've taken so far at KU?

During training camp, I'm on the scout punt-team, we were running a unique punt formation and I was supposed to block Justin Springer (6' 4" and 240 pounds for those who are wondering) coming off the edge. He ran, full speed, right through me like an open door. It was painful.

Do you have a dream job, and does it involve football?

I don’t have a dream job, in particular, but rather three goals that I would like to apply to my entire life. 

Basically, the three things I want to do in life are defy gravity by doing things unnatural in this world and overcome challenges I face in life, seize the day by getting the most out of my life and taking advantage of both opportunities given to me and opportunities I can make for myself, and be the best person I can be, not by the things I do but by the individual I become. 

It will be defined by who I am on the inside, not tangible accomplishments.  If those come in the process, that’s fantastic too!

What are some hobbies that are special to you outside of football?

I actually began writing a book the summer after my freshman year of high school and finished it the summer after I graduated. It’s entitled The Journey and its basically an extenditure of things that happened to me during that time and the lessons I took from them. 

I also have a daily journal to write anything that happens to be on my mind at the time, which I do mostly to put my life into a different perspective.

I understand that walk-ons don't generally make the roster quickly enough to be recognized on video games their freshman year, but do you plan to use yourself on NCAA Football 2011, and do you enjoy video games in general?

I can’t wait for the day when I can use myself on that game. I also enjoy Nintendo games, and have actually beaten every Donkey Kong game. When I beat Donkey Kong for the N64, it was honestly a huge accomplishment for me.  It was one of the happiest days of my life. 

Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros are also two of my favorite games.

Maybe it's just me, but basketball walk-ons seem to get more attention than those of the grid-iron, especially here at KU.  Do you think they get too much love?

[Laughs] They deserve whatever attention they get.

What made you choose KU over a smaller school and the attraction of the spotlight?

I've been a KU sports fan for a long time and a Jayhawk football fan since early on in Mangino’s tenure. Mangino definitely has a blue collar, old-school coaching philosophy that translates into a really tough football team that achieves its maximum potential.

Earlier I asked about your opportunities here at KU. Could you tell me a little bit about what it will take for you to be successful as a Jayhawk?

My success here at KU won’t be determined by how much playing time I get.  My success will be determined by my effort, and what I take from playing football at the University of Kansas. 

Everyday I commit myself to giving my best, and I know that if I continue doing that great things will happen, regardless if I'm on the field on Saturday.

I know it's a little cliched, but just how hard is it to succeed as a walk-on football player at a major university?

A walk-on football player at a major university must understand that it is a challenge.  To succeed one must overcome the psychological barrier of going from being on top during high school, to starting near the bottom during college. 

A walk-on must understand their role on the team, and know that the hard work put forth during the week may not be seen in the eyes of thousands on Saturday, but it is just as important as what the scholarship players and starters do. 

One must persevere through doubt they may have, and understand that whether you are a scholarship player or not, all 105 players are on the roster because they are good football players. Commit to giving your best.

Thanks again for the chat, Ryan, and maybe we'll get together and play some DK sometime soon.

Ryan Burton (5' 10", 180 pounds)

Air Academy High School, Colorado Springs, Colorado

~Three-time First Team All Conference Performer, offense (RB) and defense (DB)

~Two-time First Team All Area

~First Team Class 4A All-State (By Prep Colorado)

~Led team in rushing (700+ yards) and receiving (300+ yards) senior year, and accumulated nine total touchdowns on the year.

~Three-year starter on offense, defense and as a kick and punt returner