Analysis: Four-Star LB Jordan Burns Brings Tenacity, Athleticism To Tennessee
While the Tennessee Volunteers have touched a lot of bases in their 2024 recruiting class, linebacker hasn't been a reoccurring discussion. However, the unfortunate truth is that they must begin recruiting high-caliber linebackers quickly, as several key contributors are set to depart after the 2023 season. On Wednesday, they began addressing that issue, adding 2024 four-star linebacker Jordan Burns to their class.
Burns is one of the more under-the-radar commits in Tennessee's class. He has added 15 offers since the conclusion of his junior season, but Tennessee has been in this recruitment from the beginning. The Vols offered him in October 2022, meaning they have been recruiting him for almost a calendar year. He rewarded their patience, and his tape says he should shoot up the rankings in the coming months.
Jordan Burns, 2024 LB
Prospect: Jordan Burns
Projected Position: Inside Linebacker
Vitals: 6-1.5 and 220 pounds
School: Pace Academy (Atlanta, Georgia)
Frame: Burns might be reaching his physical ceiling, but it's already enough to play in the SEC. He fills out 220 pounds well and has the size and length to be an every-down player. The best part about Burns's frame is how he uses it. He knows he's bigger and stronger than everyone else on the field and uses his tools to block up blockers, fill run gaps, and play passing alleys.
Athleticism: This is a point-A to point-B linebacker and a really good one. When Burns can read his keys and zero in on the ball carrier, he likes he got shot out of a cannon. The acceleration is first-class, and he is violent at the point of contact. Has played in open space but must adjust to the physical demands of playing in the middle of the field in college. Burns lines up as a 9-technique a lot for Pace Academy, but the size limitations won't let him play edge rusher in college, meaning he shifts over to inside linebacker.
Instincts: Processing speed is a question entering college, not because he doesn't have a high football acumen, but because he will be playing a different position. The tape says this is a high-level processor that sifts through trash at the line of scrimmage quickly and finds where he must be.
Polish: Refined on the physical and athletic side. The tape suggests he eventually becomes a high-level contributor in an inside linebacker room that needs one, but forecasting anything early on in his career would be mere projection, as he still needs more time playing in the middle of the field. Will be curious to see if Pace Academy decides to use him as an inside linebacker this year to prepare him for the college world.
Bottom Line: Perhaps the most underrated commit thus far for Tennessee. I'd expect his ranking to jump significantly between now and the time his senior season closes, as people will begin to pick up on how Burns plays. He clearly has a joy for football, a high motor, and enjoys studying the game. It helps that he's carrying an SEC frame at 17 years old.
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