Auburn Recruiting: J'Marion Burnette Evaluation

J'Marion Burnette is a bruising running back headed to Auburn

The Auburn Tigers possess a top-notch running back room with players like Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston toting the football. In fact, Hugh Freeze and the Tigers can run the football with the best of the SEC programs.

Moving towards the future, there’s reason to believe that Auburn’s rushing success will continue at a high level. Tigers commitment J’Marion Burnette is the definition of a downhill running back that can succeed in the always tough SEC. Seeing him play live on Oct. 13, here are the primary points that make Burnette shine.

His frame is what one expects to see from a true bell cow SEC back. He’s 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds. Broad shoulders and balanced frame from top to bottom will allow Burnette an opportunity to one day be Auburn’s lead running back.

To place Burnette’s talents into perspective, the Andalusia (Ala.) High School star did not waste time showcasing his physical attributes versus Slocomb (Ala.) High School. First carry, 54 yards and a touchdown!

Burnette's first quarter was just ridiculous, in fact:

Just as a point of reference, his three touchdown runs were 55, 42 and 34 yards. 

A couple of unique points about those three and the majority of his other attempts as well. First, it’s Burnette’s vision. Many big backs just try to run over defenders. Burnette maximizes his chances by being patient, constantly scanning for cutback lanes.

Secondly, he’s faster than one would expect from a player at Burnette’s size. He gets to the linebacker level, and boom! He’s off to the races. It is impressive to see this young man hit the gas and run away from defenders. Of course, there’s the obvious trait as well.

Power. He’s a brute. That point about Burnette is unmistakable. #10 for Slocomb took the brunt of an attempted tackle – head on – and did not come out better for it.

Wham!

Burnette flat-out trucked him. One cannot teach Burnette’s propensity for physical contact. He relishes it. Here’s something to note about Burnette’s personality that helps in that regard.

Having the chance to meet and speak with Burnette, he’s a good guy. He wants to compete as often as possible, however. He was trying to get the Andalusia coaches to put him back in the ball game despite being up 35-0 at halftime. Burnette is extremely competitive.

Another way to say it, Burnette loves football. That type of attitude is a great sign for his and Auburn’s future. Burnette is an impressive person off the field, and a future Auburn starter at running back.

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