Robert Burns Has Big Plans in Store for 2017 Cane Class

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Miami continued their renewed focus into the South Florida recruiting base this past week, scooping up a commitment from standout 2017 Gulliver Prep star running back Robert Burns.

“Just comparing my options, I thought Miami was the best fit for me,” says Burns. “You know, thinking about it in the long run, I felt Miami was the place where I could develop, both on and off the field. As far as football, I like the things that are going on in Coral Gables. It’s really close to home. I get a chance to play with some of my brothers, my teammates, for another 3-4 years.”

Like 2017 linebacker commit Tyler Dunning, Burns also mentioned the school’s academics for playing a role in his decision, expressing interest in Miami’s business school.

Two major Gulliver connections also played a role in landing Burns — On-Campus Recruiting Coordinator Jorge Baez is Gulliver’s former Offensive Coordinator, while 2016 Miami 4-star wideout commit Dionte Mullins is a Raider teammate.

“That played a huge role. We like to joke around with each other, and we’ve actually been playing with each other since Pop Warner. S0 why stop now, you know?”

Despite being a sophomore, Burns has racked up several major offers, from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Florida State, and Clemson. But after discussing the decision with his family and praying on it, he picked the hometown Canes – much to the pleasure of the Miami staff.

“Oh man, they went crazy. I remember talking to Coach Golden on the phone, and letting him know, he put the phone on speaker, and I could just hear all the coaches go crazy! Like wherever they were, just all the coaches screaming. It was crazy.”

And keeping with his tight connection with his Gulliver teammates, he made sure Mullins knew of his choice before announcing it.

At this weekend’s The Opening, Burns, who checks in at 5’11, 205 lbs., impressed with a 4.57-40 and a 42′ vertical. He says he’s working on learning the game more, specifically reading defensive schemes and coverages.

Once Duke Johnson signs an NFL deal, it will mark 23 straight seasons the Canes leading rusher has signed on with an NFL team. Burns knows the importance of maintaining the legacy of great Miami running backs.

“That’s everything. I’ve had a chance to work with Edgerrin James off the football field, and he’s actually one of my mentors.” James attended this past weekend’s The Opening, and was seen working with Burns.

“Just being able to have that relationship with him, it’s awesome. The running backs, you can go on and on.”

Miami currently has the country’s top-rated 2016 class, and have assembled a strong core to start 2017. Burns said he wanted to commit early so he could help recruit other standouts to Coral Gables.

“Me committing early, taking one of the leadership roles that I can bring other guys in. I think I was able to influence (2017 OL commit) Kadeem Telfort.”

He said he’s excited about playing alongside — and against — his future teammates.

“Just to get guys to see the vision of where we’re going, and at the end of the day, you’re only as good as the guys you play with. I feel like having a top linebacker in the country (2017 commit Tyler Dunning) is only going to make me a better running back. If we’re practicing day in, day out , I can’t wait.

Despite committing to the Canes, Burns said he is planning on visiting other schools, before adding “at the end of the day, I’m going to sign with the Hurricanes.”

So what’s Miami getting in Burns?

“Once I step on that campus, Miami is going to get an explosive back. Somebody that can catch out of the backfield, and somebody that can bring great balance to their offense.”

His message to Canes fans is short and to the point: “2017 will be special. It will be special. That’s all I can really say. 2017 will be special.”

To check out his highlights, click here.

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2017 RB Commit Robert Burns Thinking Big for Miami

By Mike Perchick | Mar 2, 2015