‘Maybe there’s a chance’: Panthers scout on DJ Burns’ NFL potential
Could NC State basketball star DJ Burns play in the NFL? NC State basketball player DJ Burns, a 6′9″, 275-pound big man, is being hailed as a potential NFL player due to his size, agility, and footwork. A Panthers scout, Jared Kirksey, believes that Burns could play at a high level in basketball if he wanted to. Kirksey also suggested that if Burns does not succeed in basketball, he might play in the NFL. Burns, who has averaged 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during NC State's tournament run to the Final Four, has been praised by Kirksey for his athletic ability and versatility.
Published : 2 months ago by WBTV Web Staff in Sports Entertainment
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Could NC State basketball star DJ Burns play in the NFL?
The 6′9″, 275-pound big man is taking the nation by storm. The No. 11 seed Wolfpack have won nine straight games to reach the Final Four.
With Burns’ size, agility, and footwork, one Panthers scout thinks the 23-year-old could play football at the highest level.
“From what I’ve seen, I think he’s got enough in his bag of tools to say he could probably compete at the highest level (in basketball) if he wanted to,” Panthers director of college scouting Jared Kirksey said with a grin. “But if that didn’t work out, maybe there’s a chance he could play in the NFL. You could call him thick, but I see him as a stout guy who can do a lot of things.”
During NC State’s improbable tournament run to the Final Four, Burns has averaged 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
“I was really impressed by this kid and how he’s able to create a shot for himself,” Kirksey said. “I mean, his ability to get up and down the floor is pretty impressive for a guy his size.”
His size is really standing out, and is helping ramp up talk about a potential NFL future, but at what position?
“He looks closer to being a tackle bulk,” Kirksey said.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Burns’ professional sports career; however, it’s no myth that higher-ups in the NFL have taken notice.
Topics: Football, NFL