2010 SPRING OUTLOOK
A punishing defender with a nose for the ball who comes from a football family and has dreamed of playing for his homestate school ... Begins spring camp listed at No. 4 on the depth chart at the middle linebacker position, where he'll look to move his way up ... Looks to make an impact in his second year in the program, after spending his first year in the program working to get back to health due to a knee injury sustained during his final year of high school ball.
2009 SEASON
Spent his first year in the Tiger program getting acclimated to the system, and also spent a majority of the year rehabbing his knee that he injured during his senior year of high school ... Worked hard during the rehab process with the MU training staff, and was cleared toward the latter part of the season to begin practicing full go ... Despite missing much of the season, was very impressive when he did return to the field, playing with a high energy and enthusiasm level as part of the defensive scout team.
HIGH SCHOOL
Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 14 overall prospect (any position) in the state of Missouri ... ESPN.com ranked him as the nation's No. 41 overall inside linebacker prospect ... Scout.com ranked him as the nation's No. 44 middle linebacker prospect ... ESPN.com said he is a tough, physical inside run stuffer who fills his middle rush lanes with great strength and power ... Was an all-conference performer as a senior in 2008, as he amassed 58 tackles, including 7 tackles for loss and 3 quarterback sacks, while also recovering 1 fumble in 7 games ... Also lettered in basketball multiple years at Lee's Summit West ... High school coach - Royce Boehm.
PERSONAL
Parents - Steve & Mary Anne Burton ... Interested in studying nutrition and fitness, or physical therapy at Mizzou ... Lists hobbies as working out and driving and working on his car ... Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas State and Army, among others.
