Brian Burns Picks Schools for Official Visits: Odds on Where 4-Star DE Lands

A handful of powerhouse schools are fighting for the right to land 4-star defensive end Brian Burns.

According to GatorBait’s Luke Stampini (via Josh Newberg of Noles 247), four SEC schools and an ACC giant are positioning themselves to get his five official visits.

“Florida, Georgia, Alabama, LSU and FSU will get visits, unless something changes,” Burns told Stampini.

With those schools emerging as the leaders in his recruitment, which program is in the best shape as things currently stand, and which schools could make a move before he makes a decision?

Let’s take a crack at the odds for each of his leaders.

Alabama, LSU: 15-1

Burns visited both SEC West powers over the summer, and both schools could feature the 6’5”, 215-pounder in different roles.

At Alabama, Burns would likely transition into an outside linebacker role in the Tide’s 3-4 scheme. 

With LSU, he could potentially put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. 

Regardless, Burns—who registered 75 tackles, including 17.5 for loss with 12 sacks as a junior—is coveted because of his length and his ability to get after quarterbacks. 

Given the defensive tradition at both schools and each program’s recent history with landing talented prospects out of the state of Florida, it’s tough to count out either of them with Burns planning to visit.

"

Four-star DE Brian Burns. Don't need the green socks to know who he is. Size says it all (6'5"). pic.twitter.com/kcDdu1buNk

— Chuck Kingsbury (@Kingsbury_AJC) October 21, 2015"

Florida State 8-1

Defensive end is one area the Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher would love to address down the stretch of the 2016 cycle.

The Seminoles have a commitment from 4-star pass-rusher Janarius Robinson, and they would love to add a player such as Burns to complement him in this class.

Burns was present for FSU’s win over Miami last month, and while he admitted to Stampini his communication with the ‘Noles staff hasn’t been consistent, he liked the atmosphere in Tallahassee and the style of defense FSU employs:

"

I don’t talk to them really that often. I went up there for the UM game, and I got the chance to talk to Bill [Miller] and Brad [Lawing]. I had a good time. They played a good game too. Their defense played well too. I like how Brad Lawing substitutes his defensive line, so they stay fresh all the time and you alway perform at a high level.

"

With his making a return trip to Tallahassee, the ‘Noles have a chance to make a move late in the cycle and land another top prospect from the South Florida area.

Georgia: 6-1

As Newberg noted, Georgia is the school that has been the perceived leader in Burns’ recruitment.

Despite the Bulldogs' struggles this season, Burns is a fan of how he would be used in defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt’s scheme. 

“He’s planning on using me exactly how he’s using [current Georgia linebackers] Lorenzo [Carter] and [Leonard] Floyd, so from all different type of areas,” Burns noted.

Assuming Georgia can hold off the negative rumors surrounding the future of head coach Mark Richt and the coaching staff, per USA Today Sports' Dan Wolken, the Bulldogs have a great shot to land another playmaker from the same high school as current ‘Dawgs Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie.

Florida: 5-1

One program that has vaulted up his list this season is Florida. 

In particular, the defense of the SEC’s Eastern Division champs has caught his attention.

Moreover, during a summer visit to Gainesville, he formed a strong bond with Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph, according to Kipp Adams of Dawgs247.

"When I got up [to Gainesville], it felt good," Burns told Adams. "Coach Chris Rumph is really genuine about everything he tells me. He is about making me a better person, not just a better football player."

With the situation at Georgia a bit hazy at the moment, the Gators could wind up being the biggest beneficiary if Burns chooses to head elsewhere.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports. 

Follow @SanjayKirpalani