How is Aubrey Burks Adjusting to New Role on WVU Defense?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In addition to naming Aubrey Burks one of the defense’s top performers during fall camp, WVU defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley explained how the most veteran player on the defense is taking to his new role.

While speaking to the media after practice on Saturday, Lesley was asked about how Burks is adjusting to seeing time at a hybrid position referred to as “SPEAR” on the West Virginia defense.

“I think it allows him to play the way he wants to play,” said Lesley. He also pointed out that Burks’ aggressiveness makes him a natural fit. Lesley noted being the “SPEAR” allows Burks to utilize his football IQ to his advantage.

“He is — I don’t want to say see-ball-hit-ball because Aubrey’s way, way smarter than that. But, it does allow him to use his football IQ.”

Burks is well aware of the importance of the 2024 season, both for WVU and his personal career. But unlike in past years, Burks will have to manage the pressure on him while taking on a different role.

Burks, not one to shy away from expectations, discussed his mindset going into the 2024 season at Big 12 Media Days.

Aubrey Burks Details Mindset About New Role for WVU Before Pursuing NFL

After referring to 2024 as a “contract year” throughout the spring, Burks is already preparing like a professional. With the NFL in sight, Burks is manifesting his dream and doing everything he can to improve his stock as much as possible before the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I just had a talk with an NFL player recently, and I asked him about the NFL, what is it like? He said, ‘There are guys here who are really talented and really good, and there are guys here who are not as talented, but their knowledge is keeping them in the league,'” detailed Burks. “That right there lets me know if you’ve got knowledge of the game, that can make up for not running 4.4 or if you don’t jump 40 inches.

“Knowledge can take you a long way. The more you know about the game the more you can play this game. I’m not the fastest guy on the field, I’m not the biggest and I’m not going to jump the highest, but my football IQ is pretty high,” said the senior safety out of Oakridge Fla.

Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

But before worrying about the NFL, Burks will have to learn how to adjust his game to fit in with a new strategy for the Mountaineers. Due to some changes in the secondary, Burks, who usually has the freedom to roam around as a traditional free safety, is also expected to line up near the line of scrimmage at times as well.

Burks will enter his senior season at West Virginia after three years with the program. The versatile safety has appeared in 29 games for the Mountaineers and played in 12 this past season. Burks recorded 48 total tackles with four being for a loss. He also posted six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

For a related story, Bill Bender of the Sporting News cited concerns about the secondary as an issue for WVU during an episode of Mike Drop with Mike Asti.

What’s One Big Roster Issue That Could Derail WVU in 2024?

Find more coverage of Aubrey Burks at WV Sports Now.