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By Geoff Brown, Athletics Media Relations
You were named the Rock Weir Award winner for the defense as the most improved player during spring drills. What did you do to earn this award?
Burrell: “I worked to get stronger and bigger. I gained about five to eight extra pounds of muscle so that definitely helped. I was also watching a lot of film from this past season. I worked on mistakes and saw that I needed to fix errors in my game. I just gave 100 percent every play because I knew I was in a battle with Aaron Clark. I couldn’t take a day off or a play off for that matter. I did that and talked with the other experienced outside linebackers that we have as well in Jon Copper and Antonio Appleby. I talked to them and saw how everything fits together because as a core we need to be 100 percent cohesive.”
Virginia runs a 3-4 defense. What advantage does this give you over your opponents?
Burrell: “I think it gives us an advantage because you aren’t sure where the fourth rusher is coming from or if there is even going to be a fourth rusher. Our scheme helps us because sometimes we give looks that make it seem like we are coming from one side and we end up coming from the opposite side. It also allows me to drop back in coverage as well as rush the passer which is very nice.”
Now that you have stepped into the starting role after the injury to Aaron Clark, how has your role changed?
Burrell: “It’s a tremendous change. I went from splitting reps 50-50 in the first game to basically taking over all of the reps. Because I am still an underclassman and it my first year out there getting some playing time, I had to step up and make plays to show everybody that I belong. I have to keep doing better week-by-week and day-by-day. I have to keep watching film, talking to the other linebackers and pushing myself so I can be the best player that I can be out there.”
What lessons have you learned and what type of guidance have you received from your fellow linebackersClint Sintim, Antonio Appleby, and Jon Copperwho are all seniors?
Burrell: “I am usually in there watching film with either Copper or Sintim. Appleby is one of my best friends both on and off the field. We talk about plays here and there, and why a pick didn’t work right or what we can do better to make the other team gain fewer yards. I have definitely learned a tremendous amount from them. They are great leaders on and off of the field. The intensity and heart they bring are just tremendous.”
What expectations do you have for yourself and for the team for the remainder of this season?
Burrell: “We’re just going to keep fighting. Every week is a battle and everyone wants to get to that bowl game. Like Coach says all the time, nobody cares about what we did last week. We just want to keep pushing and keep proving to everyone out there that we belong and that we are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.”
Who are some NFL players that you admire and try to model your game after?
Burrell: “I like Joey Porter a lot and Roosevelt Colvinboth outside linebackers. The passion that Porter plays with and his intensity are one-of-a-kind. He is always out there and you see him running 110 percent, flying from one side of the field to the other. Those are the types of people that I want to mold myself after. I want to be that guy who shows effort and hustle, going sideline to sideline, giving as much as I can out there and pouring my passion out onto the field.”
Who are some of the toughest opponents that you have faced so far in your career?
Burrell: “Maryland posed the biggest difficulties because of their size. They definitely are a very big team and very experienced which has a great deal to do with their performance. With USC, the first game of the season, I felt that their tight ends were very, very sound and they knew where to fit on every play. Those are the toughest two teams that we have faced so far.”
Where is the most exciting place you have played? What made that place so exciting?
Burrell: “Other than here, like our night game versus Maryland, I’d say that the atmosphere at UNC was pretty nice last year. I haven’t been to Virginia Tech yet because I was injured two years ago, but I hear that’s altogether different so I hope to see that this year.”
During a bye week, are you trying to get away from football that Saturday or are you watching other college games?
Burrell: “My bye weekend is more football, honestly. It kind of tears me because you want to be out there even though it’s a bye week. Obviously you need time to yourself but at the same time it’s the season and during the season I want to be full throttle football. I get my time to relax in the off-season. I definitely relax in the house and get some ice. I still watch the games with my friends and call other friends and say, Did you see this play? Did you see that hit?’ So during the season, it’s basically all football.”
What is your major and what have been some of your favorite classes at UVa?
Burrell: “I’m a sociology major and I have liked a lot of my sociology classes, like Sociology of the Family. I’m taking one now called Sociology of Consumerism, which is very interesting. All of the classes here have been really interesting and the teachers have been great. It’s just a great learning experience here with a broad array of classes at UVa.”
By the time you have finished your career at UVa, what would you like to have accomplished?
Burrell: “We want the ACC title. That’s one of the biggest things about being a football player here. To say that is lovely and brings a ring to anybody’s ears. To have that degree is also the second biggest thing here, to make my family proud. Other than that, I want to have a great network of friends coming out of here. Appleby, Maurice Convington, and Mikell Simpson are all my best friends here. To have that network when we all get out of here and are all in different places and in different states, to still have that connection and come back, talk to each other, and come back for alumni dinners will be great.”