Aubrey Burkes Tops PFF's List of Returning Big 12 Safeties

West Virginia safety Aubrey Burkes is poised to have a breakout season and according to Pro Football Focus, he is the highest graded returning Big 12 safety for the 2023 season and ranks second nationally.

As a sophomore, Burkes appeared and started in 11 games last season at free safety. His 66 tackles were second on the team and spent time in the backfield, tallying 4.5 tackles for a loss, including a sack, a forced fumble an interception and a pair of pass deflections. finished second on the team in tackle

Burkes worked his way into the rotation as a freshman before a season-ending injury ended his year midway through the season.

Safeties coach Dantae Wright spoke highly of his defensive back during spring camp, saying Burkes could be "as good as he wants to be" if he continues to keep developing his body."

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