Burton A Focal Point For Bama's Defense
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is considered one of the finest defensive minds in the game.
Needless to say, Saban and his staff have paid extra attention to Gators true freshman Trey Burton this week after Burton's six-touchdown performance Saturday against Kentucky.
“He certainly did a lot of things in the last game,'' Saban said Wednesday. “Obviously being a quarterback, when he gets into the quarterback position and runs the quarterback runs – not dissimilar to what [Tim] Tebow did – he certainly has the speed and quickness and size to be very effective.''
The Tebow comparisons have popped up all week for Burton, who was used in the wildcat formation against Kentucky in a way very similar to how the Gators used Tebow as a freshman backup to Chris Leak in 2006.
Gators offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said that was the plan all along and that as the season progresses, expect to see more of Burton at quarterback in certain situations.
Florida starting quarterback John Brantley likes the plan, especially considering the boost Burton provided the offense.
“I'm a fan of it,'' Brantley said. “I'm not going to be the guy running the ball like Trey does, but you know what, that's a big part of our offense.''
Gators coach Urban Meyer knew Burton had the potential to be a factor less than a year after graduating from Venice High. However, Burton has surpassed expectations early in the season thanks to his maturity and versatility.
“I think the important thing with a guy like Trey is his football IQ is off the charts,” Meyer said. “It's like I can turn to him and say, 'OK, I want you to do this,' and he does it. That may sound easy, but in the heat of the battle and in practice, when you are learning so many things, that's hard for a young player and it's hard for older players, too.''
As for the comparisons to Tebow, Burton brushed them off earlier this week the way he ditched several Kentucky tacklers on Saturday.
“There's no pressure,'' Burton said. “I'm Trey Burton.''
Saban is well aware of who Burton is now. He'll remind his players to keep a close eye on him Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
“He's a very good receiver, whether you call him a tight end or a wide receiver. He does a really good job athletically. He just looks like one of those smart, instinctive guys, that no matter how they use him, he seems to be having success.
“I think the players need to know where he is all the time. They have a lot of other good skill players you have got to keep track of as well. He is certainly is a feature player for them that we have got to be extremely aware of.''
