Tweet
Rams Notes: Burton puts on a show
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/26/2008
MEQUON, WIS. — Once Donnie Avery hears how fellow rookie wide receiver Keenan Burton did Saturday in the opening practice of Rams training camp, he might be more motivated to get his name on a contract.
While Avery, the team's second-round draft choice, was awaiting a contract offer that meets with his approval, Burton, a fourth-round pick, was opening eyes at Concordia University.
The speedy Burton made three dazzling catches in 11-on-11 drills, one on each sideline and another across the middle. While showering Burton with praise, coach Scott Linehan also sent a message to Avery.
"When you put pads on, guys start to stand out," Linehan said. "If I was going to go on the first day, I would say (Burton has) a pretty good handle on things. I'm very excited about that."
Burton, 6 feet and 202 pounds, was impressive during spring workouts, too. Recovered from knee and ankle injuries that slowed his senior season at the University of Kentucky, Burton has his hot wheels back.
That was especially noticeable when he burst past cornerback Ron Bartell and hauled in a long pass down the left side. Still, Burton insisted he's not looking past Friday's two-hour practice.
"The goal is do everything the coach tells me to do every day ... compete and make plays," Burton said. "And if they feel like I'm fit to be ready to play in September, then I am. If not, I need to do what I (can) to be ready."
He chose diplomacy in addressing his showing in Avery's absence. "He's handling the situation the way he feels is best," Burton said. "We don't really play the same side (of the formation), so it's not really a competition between the two of us."
After a pause, he quipped, "But he needs to hurry and get here so I can have a roommate."
More Rams notes
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/26/2008
MEQUON, WIS. — Once Donnie Avery hears how fellow rookie wide receiver Keenan Burton did Saturday in the opening practice of Rams training camp, he might be more motivated to get his name on a contract.
While Avery, the team's second-round draft choice, was awaiting a contract offer that meets with his approval, Burton, a fourth-round pick, was opening eyes at Concordia University.
The speedy Burton made three dazzling catches in 11-on-11 drills, one on each sideline and another across the middle. While showering Burton with praise, coach Scott Linehan also sent a message to Avery.
"When you put pads on, guys start to stand out," Linehan said. "If I was going to go on the first day, I would say (Burton has) a pretty good handle on things. I'm very excited about that."
Burton, 6 feet and 202 pounds, was impressive during spring workouts, too. Recovered from knee and ankle injuries that slowed his senior season at the University of Kentucky, Burton has his hot wheels back.
That was especially noticeable when he burst past cornerback Ron Bartell and hauled in a long pass down the left side. Still, Burton insisted he's not looking past Friday's two-hour practice.
"The goal is do everything the coach tells me to do every day ... compete and make plays," Burton said. "And if they feel like I'm fit to be ready to play in September, then I am. If not, I need to do what I (can) to be ready."
He chose diplomacy in addressing his showing in Avery's absence. "He's handling the situation the way he feels is best," Burton said. "We don't really play the same side (of the formation), so it's not really a competition between the two of us."
After a pause, he quipped, "But he needs to hurry and get here so I can have a roommate."
More Rams notes
Comment