PINELLAS COUNTY RECRUITING

Recruiting Update: Amari Burney, CCC

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Clearwater Central Catholic is a very well-put together team because they have athletes that can do all kinds of things to score points. The Marauders have scored 42.3 points per game, and they’ve done it in a variety of ways. They can pass the ball well, they can run the ball well, but what certainly helps is that they have a defense that can shut down the opponent. They’ve given up 18.3 points per game in their first seven played. 

Clearwater Central Catholic ATH Amari Burney has narrowed his college search to three schools, but it's still open to anyone.
Clearwater Central Catholic ATH Amari Burney has narrowed his college search to three schools, but it’s still open to anyone.

A major part of their defense is junior safety Amari Burney. Burney was the MVP for the safeties group way back at the Spring E7 Training Camp in April as a sophomore, and he’s carried a lot of that offseason success into this season. So far in 2016, Burney has 35 tackles (three for loss), an interception, and he’s been on the receiving end of a couple of touchdowns from QB Jakob Parks.

Through his work, he’s gained some attention from Power Five schools, but he’s got three (two P5’s, one AAC) that have really stood out in his recruiting world. “Ohio State, USF, and Florida have shown the most love so far, and I really like all of them,” Burney said. “Academics is really the breaking point of it all, because I won’t be playing football forever, so I have to have that good background to succeed after I’m done.”

All three schools are prestigious academic schools, as they all rank in the top half of US News and Reports college academic rankings. “Ohio State has this ‘real-life Wednesday’ program where they give internships and meetings with bosses about getting experiences in our field. Also, Coach [Greg] Schiano has been doing a great job coaching his safeties up and have been doing a great job,” Burney said.

“USF is good because it’s close to home, and it’s getting more competitive which is cool. They’re going for in-and-out of state guys and they’re winning games. Florida is ‘DB-U,’ you know, with how Vernon Hargreaves came up, and now how he’s playing in the NFL. All three are really good schools, but I’m taking it slow at the moment.”

Is a commitment coming soon for Burney? Probably not. “I’m really gunning for signing day of 2018 for when I’ll make my decision, but if the time is right and I feel good about things, I’ll commit sooner. I’m really okay with any school, as long as they’re interested in me. It doesn’t matter how far it is, as long as they have the interest, I’m interested in them,” Burney said.