Burnett has found home at open end

Martail Burnett has literally grown into his role with the University of Utah defense.

Originally recruited as a wide receiver, the 255-pound junior is now the Utes' starter at open end.

"It's a big transition going from wide receiver to defensive end," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "That's essentially what he did in a two-year period of time."

The evolution thereof has been accompanied by proper body composition. Burnett had successfully added speed and strength to his 6-foot-3 frame while changing positions multiple times.

According to Whittingham, Burnett was recruited as a 185-pound receiver. After arriving at Utah, he bulked up to 195 pounds and was moved to safety.

A switch to linebacker followed, leading to a weight increase to 215 to 220 pounds. A year ago, Burnett was moved to open end when Marquess Ledbetter suffered a career-ending injury in the offseason.

At 230 pounds, Burnett wound up playing in all 12 games and made eight starts — recording 53 tackles, including seven behind the line of scrimmage and 3.5 sacks.

Since then, the all-conference candidate has put on 25 more pounds.

"He's a bigger, strong, faster version of what he was last year," said Whittingham. "We're looking for him to have a big year for us."

Burnett, he continued, got better every week last season. The former Los Angeles prep star has started in six straight games at open end. He made seven tackles with a sack and a pass breakup in Utah's Emerald Bowl victory over Georgia Tech—following up a six-tackle performance in the win over BYU a month earlier.

"He's still learning the ropes as a defensive end, but he's a natural for the position," said Whittingham. "He's a tall, rangy guy who has great speed and great agility. So he's a perfect fit for that O-E position."

Burnett admits it has taken time to adjust to being in a three-point stance. He wasn't really comfortable with it until the middle of last season.

"It's fun. I love the position now. I hope they don't move me any more," Burnett said with a laugh. "That's where I'm at. I know I'm not going anywhere, anymore. Defensive line is where it's at and I'm real comfortable with the position now."

Burnett can settle in. The coaching staff has no plans to move him anywhere else.

"He's found a home," said Whittingham. "He's there. He's going to be a fixture for us the next two years there."

Burnett and senior Soli Lefiti are Utah's slated starters at defensive end, while Kelly Talavou and Paul Soliai man the inside spots up front. Kenape Eliapo and Pauli Latu are expected to be in the rotation at tackle. Casey Sutera is the primary backup at end.

"I feel real good about the defensive front coming into this season," said Burnett.

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