BURGESS ON BRINK OF BIG TIME

The former Warren Harding standout had a solid career at Michigan.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Prescott Burgess came out of Warren Harding rated as the top prospect in Ohio and the second-best safety in the nation by some scouting services.
Problem was, he outgrew the position at the University of Michigan and soon was faced with a switch to linebacker.
"But they [the Michigan coaches] didn't just switch me," said Burgess, a possible late-round pick in this weekend's NFL Draft. "They asked me how I felt about making the switch. So I said, 'Will it help me get on the field faster?' "
They said it would. And it did.
He played in 12 of 13 games his freshman year, mostly on special teams and as a backup linebacker. By the time he finished his career, Burgess had played in 47 games. He started 21 of his final 27 games at linebacker. He was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.
"I thank God that I have the talent I have," said Burgess. "I think I've put it to good use. That's why I'm in the position I am today."
Unfair expectations
Still, some people expected more from the 6-foot-3, 243-pound Burgess, which is unfair, said former Harding coach Thom McDaniels.
"A lot of times people have expectations that are inaccurate and unrealistic," said McDaniels, who coached Burgess in high school. "He experienced a position change and sometimes that affects a kid's development. There's a learning curve.
"He was a great player for me and a great college player and now he has a possibility to be a pro player. I think it speaks to how many quality players there are in Division I college football that people think he was just another good player on Michigan's roster."
Burgess moved to Warren from Columbus his freshman year in high school, right around the time McDaniels was hired. He helped lead the Raiders to playoff appearances his final two seasons, including a berth in the state championship game his senior year.
"I enjoyed coaching Prescott," said McDaniels. "He was coachable and he accepted the fact that we needed him to contribute on both sides of the ball. He was willing to do that.
"He always had incredible stamina. He could run all day and it never seemed to affect him."
Good choice
As a Columbus native, some people criticized his decision to attend Michigan -- especially early in his career -- but Burgess said he never regretted his choice. Standout receiver Mario Manningham followed him to Ann Arbor, Mich., two years later and the two helped the Wolverines become one of the top teams in the nation last fall. But season-ending losses to Ohio State and USC took away some of the luster.
"We had a great team and we tried our hardest to win a title," said Burgess. "We were still one of the top teams in the country."
Although Burgess was also a good basketball player, there was never any doubt that his future was in football.
"In high school, I knew college football was a possibility and if I did well there, I'd have a chance to go to the next level," said Burgess, who is less than a year away from a degree in general studies. "It's a dream come true, to be in the position I am today."
scalzo@vindy.com