In a recruitment that has been as close to the vest as any in the class of 2013, the decision is finally in for outside linebacker Oren Burks of Lorton (Va.) South County. Burks didn’t name any finalists and has granted virtually no interviews throughout his recruitment but on Saturday afternoon Burks announced his commitment to Vanderbilt at a press conference at his school.
Burks’ recruitment was thought to be a battle between Virginia and Vanderbilt with Virginia Tech and NC State also very much in the hunt. The 6-4, 195-pounder also chose Vanderbilt over the likes of Boton College, Duke, Miami, Maryland, UCLA, West Virginia, Nebraska and more.
Vanderbilt has been thought to be in good shape with the Virginia defender since visit to Nashville in mid-June that lasted three days. On the trip, Burks spent time with the coaching staff at Vanderbilt's annual recruiting cookout, he took in Sunday's camp and he toured the campus on Monday as well.
A long rangy linebacker that also excels rushing the passer, Burks tallied 11 sacks as a junior. He also put together 22 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries of which three were returned for touchdowns and one interception returned for a touchdown.
Sources indicate that Burks was one of the top targets on Vanderbilt’s defensive recruiting board and is a high priority recruit in the class of 2013. With his commitment, Vanderbilt has added two commitments this weekend with Burks becoming the 18th verbal pledge in the class of 2013 joining former Florida commitment Tre Bell who committed on Friday night.
A third commitment on the weekend is not out of the realm of possibility with three-star defensive end Mike Tyler out of Ohio visiting with his family this weekend only days after receiving his Vanderbilt offer.
- Barton Simmons
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports