WVU LB Jared Bartlett Calls Aubrey Burks ‘Ball Hawk’ of Defense

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The expectations are rising for WVU safety Aubrey Burks, and that’s due to the praise that keeps being thrown in his direction. This time, it’s not from anyone in the media or a coach, it’s from one of his teammates.

In the midst of talking about the progression of the overall defense, linebacker Jared Bartlett couldn’t help but call out Burks’ name. Bartlett labeled Burks the “ball hawk” of the group during his time with the media after practice on Tuesday.

WVU LB Jared Bartlett calls Aubrey Burks the “ball hawk” of the defense.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 8, 2023

Burks was directly brought up as Bartlett, another veteran on the defense being asked to step up as a new leader, was discussing the focus on trying to create more turnovers as a unit. This is something Bartlett says the linebacker are working on by looking to get their hands on the ball instead of just making the tackle, but he pointed out that the secondary is where most of the takeaways occur.

Bartlett then talked about how Burks has been all over the place during practices and is doing a great job of getting to where the ball is.

Burks’ position coach Dontae Wright threw out the statement that he can be as good as he wants to be. Others have placed Burks on watch lists and as a player with NFL potential. But adding a compliment from one of his teammates has to feel good for Burks.

Dontae Wright Feels Aubrey Burks Can be ‘As Good as He Wants to Be’

“He can be a pro player or a really good college player. If he puts it all into it, he can play on Sundays,” said Wright.