Florida Gators 2021 WR Commit Marcus Burke's SI All-American Profile
On Monday, the Florida Gators added their second commitment in as many days and a fourth wide receiver to their 2021 class, obtaining the services of Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.) vertical threat Marcus Burke.
Over their previous three classes, the Gators appeared to covet length at the wide receiver position - so much so that six of the 10 wide receivers the team signed, since Dan Mullen took the head coaching reigns, stood at 6-foot-2 or taller. Seven, if you include recent Ole Miss transfer Dionte Marks' freshman year listing of 6-2, although he stood at 5-foot-11 as a recruit.
In 2021, the Gators have balanced out their wide receiver prospects by size, although Burke continues the trend. Daejon Reynolds (Grayson - Loganville, Ga.) kicked off the class at 6-3, with Vanguard's (Ocala, Fla.) Trevonte Rucker, standing at 6-foot flat-0, committing days later in February. In May, 5-10 receiver/athlete Charles Montogmery (Armwood - Seffner, Fla.) pledged to the Gators, followed by Burke (6-3) committing today.
Below, you can find Burke's Sports Illustrated All-American scouting report, as he was named to the inaugural SIAA Top 1000 last week. Burke possesses great straight-line speed to pair with his length, making him a deep-threat beyond his contested-catch potential at the boundary.
Prospect: Marcus Burke
Status: SI All-American Candidate
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian Academy
Committed to: Florida (7/20/20)
Frame: Skinny with long arms, long legs and room to gain 30 pounds when all is said and done.
Athleticism: Despite his length, Burke moves very well laterally. His open-field second gear is elite. Ability to extend his arms quickly to reach overthrown passes. Lateral quickness resembles a shorter, more compact player. Solid initial burst. Natural long strider resembles a 400-meter specialist.
Instincts: Great timing to reach for the football during jump-ball situations. Sets up cuts to maneuver past defenders within tight space. Catches the football away from his body. Knows when to hit the jets and simply outrun defenders.
Polish: Big-play threat as return man or wide receiver because Burke can run by or make defenders miss in short-area spaces. He knows how to set up defenders by stemming his routes. Excels during jump-ball plays.
Bottom Line: Burke could end up being a college No. 1 wide receiver once he matures physically. He provides speed, really good short-area playmaking skills, knows how to stem his pass routes, displays playmaking skills during one-on-one situations and makes defenders miss.
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