33 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Morgan Burns

#33 Morgan Burns True Junior 5-11 | 195 Wichita, Kan. Bio

Position: Defensive Back Previous College: None Projection: Starter Status: On Scholarship

Morgan Scott Burns (b. May 19, 1993) is one of the fastest players on the team and has played on special teams in each of the last two years. He enrolled in spring as a grayshirt, but still has a redshirt season available.

He will look to continue his special teams work in 2014 while battling for a part of the rotation in the defensive backfield. Given the competition available and their experience, I like him to end up as a starter come Aug. 30.

Burns was the No. 14 player in the state of Kansas in 2010, according to Rivals.com.

A three-time all-league pick at both defensive back and running back, and a two-time all-metro selection, Burns rushed for 2,700 yards and 36 touchdowns during his last two seasons at Trinity Academy.

During his senior season, Burns rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense, while recording 60 tackles and 10 interceptions from the defensive backfield.

He also (and this is most important) was a state champion in track in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races, because he is fast as hell. That's probably the primary reason Burns did not redshirt in 2012, tallying 11 tackles in 12 games.

Instead, he led the Big 12 champions with 10 special teams tackles. He had two tackles against Miami, West Virginia and Texas Tech, while he carded one in five other games.

Last season, Burns again played in 12 games. Although he tallied kickoff coverage tackles against Oklahoma State and Baylor, his lack of any defensive tackles represents a notable sophomore slump. Time for him to bounce back.