Every NFL draft prospect travels their own unique journey to get to the pro ranks, and Utah safety Terrell Burgess is no exception.
Though it took a while for him to get his opportunity as a full-time starter, Burgess made the most of it last season, establishing himself as one of the best players in the country at his position.
Burgess recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his football journey, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You spent some time playing both wide receiver and defensive back during your freshmen season. You moved full-time to the defensive side of the ball as a senior and started at strong safety in 2019. You went on to make the Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 Team. What a ride it’s been for you. How do you look back on the 2019 season?
TB: Things went very well for me. I was just so excited to finally become a full-time player on our defense. I had started games in the past but it really wasn’t until 2019 that I became an official, full-time starter. I had the support and trust of my teammates and coaching staff. Not that I didn’t have their support before 2019, but it felt great to battle alongside my brothers on a weekly basis. I had a lot of fun. It was a great season despite the fact that if we didn’t finish it off the way that we wanted to. We still had a good season. I had a great time at Utah, and it’s time to look forward now.
JM: You started 14 games in 2019. You made 81 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss and had five pass break-ups as well. You were such a talented guy coming out of high school, but you struggled to find the field during your first three years at Utah. How did it feel to earn that full-time starting role?
TB: It was definitely a great feeling. My freshman year, we had three seniors at my position. That was one thing that kept me off the field. I was also playing on the offensive side of the ball. I was playing multiple positions and there was a lot going on. I was still having a blast out there. I enjoyed those years as well. 2019 was definitely a different feeling though. I loved the season that we were able to put together. We had a lot of seniors this year. We all came in together in 2015. It was a great way to go out. Of course we wanted to win it all, but it was still a special season for us. Everything happens for a reason.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
TB: It was great. I had never been to Indianapolis before. Visiting a new place for the first time was a lot of fun. I was really excited to get out there and showcase what I can do. Going to the combine has always been a dream of mine. It gave me a chance to compete in front of all 32 teams alongside some guys that I knew all around the country. It was amazing. It was truly nothing short of amazing.
I enjoyed the entire week. I know that some guys complain about the long hours. It’s early mornings and late nights, but I truly enjoyed every second of it. It was a unique experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I hope that a lot of young guys around the nation have a chance to experience it.
JM: You had an excellent combine performance. What do you think is the overall impression that you left out there?
TB: I think I left the impression that I have the ability to come in and play multiple positions. I’m a versatile guy and I have more speed to my game than many people thought I did. I was excited about that. A lot of people were questioning my speed. It was a great feeling to put those questions to bed with my 40 time. I showed off a little bit of my explosiveness with my broad jump result (122-inches) as well. Above all, I think my knowledge of the game is what stood out the most. I was excited to get into the meeting rooms and talk ball with these NFL coaches. I think that’s where I separated myself.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the safety position?
TB: I really enjoy playing in the box. A lot of people feel that I’m undersized but I’ve never felt at a disadvantage when playing in the box. Safety is one of those positions that gives you a chance to cover both tight ends and wide receivers. It also gives you a chance to move around with the defensive linemen. That’s something that I love doing.
JM: Speaking of your work in coverage, do you approach a bigger, more physical guy differently than you do a smaller, more shiftier one?
TB: I only approach them differently in regards to knowing that I have to get on my high horse and get outside of my frame. Besides that, I try to approach every opponent with the same mindset and strategy. It doesn’t typically matter how big or small they are.
JM: What can you tell me about Utah’s scheme on defense and what your coaches asked of you?
TB: My coaches always asked me to play fast and smart. My goal was always to portray myself as a smart football player. There’s only way to do that. That was the biggest thing for me. Within our defense, we had to play smart at all times. We put an emphasis on knowing what was coming pre-snap.
JM: Were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the spread of COVID-19 shut everything down?
TB: I was not. Everybody got pulled off the road before I had a chance to make any visits. I had some things set up but I wasn’t able to go through with anything.
JM: That’s pretty consistent with what I’m hearing from most players. I imagine you’ve moved things to the phones since then. Which teams have you met with via FaceTime?
TB: Out of respect to the teams, I have to keep them private at this time. I will say that I’m very pleased with how they’ve been going. I’ve met with upwards of 15-plus teams over the past few weeks.
JM: Playing at Utah afforded you the opportunity to play against some really strong competition. Who are some of the best guys you’ve gone up against?
TB: We played against a great quarterback in Justin Herbert. He’s gonna be a great quarterback. Brandon Aiyuk, the receiver from Arizona State is pretty good. Michael Pittman from USC is pretty good. I can go on and on. The Pac-12 is loaded with talent. We had a chance to play against all of these guys.
I can name somebody from every team in the Pac-12 if you’d like me to (laughs). J.J. Taylor from Arizona is a great running back. Oregon State had some talent at running back, and the tight end was pretty good as well. I like the tight end from UCLA, Devin Asiasi. There’s so many great players in the Pac-12.
JM: You’ve had so many great teammates throughout your time at Utah, but I’m gonna put you on the spot. If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would it be and why?
TB: Actual war? Wow (laughs). We’re in the trenches, huh? That’s a great question. Can I pick a former teammate? I’d probably say Cody Barton. He played linebacker for us. He’s with the Seattle Seahawks now. Why Cody? That’s the craziest human being I’ve ever met (laughs).
JM: When a team spends a draft pick on Terrell Burgess, what kind of guy are they getting?
TB: They’re gonna get a guy that’s gonna come in and give 110 percent effort every single day. I’m gonna come in and learn the system from the older guys. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and get to work. I’m gonna do everything I can to help the team win ball games.
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