Monday, March 26, 2007
The former YSU receiver played in af2's super bowl.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- One of Jerald Burley's idiosyncrasies is his inclination to pay attention to detail and minutiae.
Actually, it's more like minutes.
The Mahoning Valley Thunder wide receiver is careful with his cellphone minutes. He doesn't want to waste them.
If you call him, he's quick to switch over to a land line to spare unnecessary expense.
After that, he'll talk incessantly -- about his football playing days with Youngstown State, his season with the Peoria (Ill.) Pirates and his philosophy on life.
Played in ArenaCup
His last college season was 2002, but he didn't graduate until May, 2004. Two days after graduation, he flew to Peoria, Ill., to join the af2 team. The Pirates were 3-6 when Burley arrived, then Peoria went on a six-game winning streak before losing the final game of the regular season. Peoria won three playoff games, but was beaten in the ArenaCup in Florida in August.
The next year, Burley had several workouts with AFL teams, including the Georgia Force. He was in the Force's camp for a week before being released.
In 2006, Burley was in training camp with the af2's Louisville Fire, but got released.
Now 27 and four years removed from his YSU days, Jerald, who was born in Youngstown but moved to Fort Lauderdale when he was 10, is trying to stay in football.
He worked day/night jobs in Florida with Penske truck rental and Red Lobster.
Although he has a degree and teaching certificate, Burley doesn't want to preach a philosophy with which he's not comfortable.
Philosophy
"My theory is that I don't want to teach or coach and tells kids to chase dreams and not give up when I haven't done the same. When I've pursued every avenue and exhausted trying, then I'll teach or coach. For now, I can't do that."
Burley's position with the Thunder is wide receiver; it's the same role that was previously labeled offensive specialist.
Because of recent rule changes, his position is no longer unique. Now, all players are permitted to go one way or platoon, even linemen. It allows the best skill players to be on the field at any given time.
When with Peoria, Jerald was strictly a receiver and didn't have go both ways like other players.
"You wanted to put your best wide receiver out there because he only played offense. Now you can put three," he said of two other one-way players designed as receivers.
Burley said he's anxious to play under the new rule, which also allows the other team's defense to install its three best defensive backs.
Bullseye removed
"One receiver isn't going to be the main focus anymore," Burley said. "It should make the game a whole lot more interesting."
Although free substitution is allowed, it's not required. But there are still certain guys who will play both ways.
One receiver may go in motion 6 to 8 yards behind his offensive line prior to bolting toward the defense full speed to gain an advantage.
"A receiver may loop around the backfield to the other side of the field or go straight back," Burley said. "It's going to be fun for fans."
Only one player is in motion at a time.
One of Burley's goals is to help deliver the Thunder to a title, something he hasn't achieved at any level.
"I'd like to help bring the ArenaCup to the city of Youngstown. It would be a great experience for the Valley, like YSU football does."
On a more personal level, Burley would prefer moving up, whether it's AFL, CFL or NFL.
Ankle setback
An ankle injury during a pickup basketball prior to his senior year at YSU may have hurt Burley's pro chances.
"It's like three good tires and one flat on a car," Jerald said.
"If I wouldn't have gotten injured that year, I might have been in someone's NFL camp."
At YSU in 2001, Jerald was first-team All-Gateway Conference as return specialist and an honorable mention All-American.
In track in 2002, Jerald placed second in the 60-meter dash at the Horizon League championships.
Burley played in 10 games his senior year, seven of which he started. For the season, he caught 20 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
Burley's quest to get beyond the af2 is admirable, but is it achievable?
Whether it's yes or no on the field, Jerald already has the answer in his own mind.
Regardless of the outcome, he's prepared to give his best shot.
"There is no part II to life," Burley said. "It's one and done."
bassetti@vindy.com