Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers University

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What is your name?

Michael Patrick Burton

What is your Height/Weight?

6”, 238

What is your position?

Fullback, Running back, H-back

Where do you play college football?

Rutgers University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

10

How did you choose your school?

I camped at Rutgers as a junior in high school and fell in love with it. The players and coaches were all great people that I built strong relationships with. It is also a very prestigious academic school.

Where are you from?

I am from Long Valley, New Jersey

Who is your role model, and why?

I would say that my parents are my role models because they both define what it means to be people of integrity and hard work. I would not be where I am today with out them and they have taught me so many important life lessons.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I have met with several scouts and teams. I participated in the Medal of Honor all-star game this year and met with several teams and received positive feedback. The experience of the all-star was great and it gave me a lot of exposure.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball

Did you play any other positions in football?

In college I played both running back and fullback as well all special teams. In high school I was a running back, linebacker, kicker, punter and played on all special teams. I was also the only freshman to start on the varsity team in the schools history. I was a four year starter.

At your position, what separates you from others?

My toughness, work ethic and versatility. I will do whatever it takes to be successful and help my team win.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When I am breaking down film it depends on what day it is in that Sunday of game week I will be looking at general tendencies that the team has. I will also be looking at the personnel (size, speed, quickness, strength). Monday and Tuesday I will study their first and second down defense, Wednesday I will study their third down and goal line/short yardage defense. Thursday, Friday and day of the game will be reviewing all situations as well practice tape from that week.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Aaron Donald

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Bruce Miller, I think we are both very versatile in that we can block, catch, run and play special teams.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The death of my Grandma was the biggest obstacle that I had to overcome. It was a very difficult time especially with school, football and everything else going in ones life. I over came it by believing that everything happens for a reason and that no matter what is thrown at you continue to grind and work hard every single day.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Before the game I will go out to the field whether it is home or away and become locked in and envision my self-making plays. The rest of time before the game that does not include warm ups I will be listening to music and studying my playbook.

What is your biggest strength?

Toughness

What is your biggest weakness?

Flexibility

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I will do whatever it takes to help this team win a championship and that I love the game of football.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Mike Alstott, Tampa bay Buccaneers

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

JJ Watt

Michael Jordan

Muhammad Ali

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