Senior DeAndra Burns, Jr., would be considered by many as the most dangerous offensive football player in Class 6A. The reigning state champion in the 100 meters, the wide receiver verbally committed to Arkansas State University earlier in the summer.
As El Dorado converts to a less pass-happy offense, Burns could test the theory that a player can only be a threat if he has the ball in his hands.
“DeAndra is a big piece to the offense. We’ll get him the ball as much as we can, as much as the defense will let us,” said El Dorado head coach Steven Jones. “We will be creative to do different things. I’m just excited he’s back for one more year.”
Burns was an All-State selection last year with 42 receptions for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns. He did that despite drawing a lot of defensive attention, which helped teammates Jackie Washington and Kamron Bibby both exceed 1,000 yards in receiving.
“He’s had all the attention the last two seasons. I think that will escalate this season with him being the only returning starter at wide out. Obviously, he has so much playmaker ability, we expect extra attention on him every game,” said Jones, who believes the offense could still be potent.
“I think we have good players around him and that helps. When you have explosive players like TJ Dunn, who’s really stepped up, you don’t have to be creative as far as scheme goes. If they’re going to take two guys and put ‘em over DeAndra, another guy is going to have a big night. It just depends on alignment, who they’re worried about and that kind of thing.”
Burns, also a punt and kick return weapon, said he doesn’t mind a more conservative attack this season.
“The ball is going to get moved around. Last year we were more of a passing (team). We passed it a lot last year. This year it’ll be more of both,” said Burns, who hopes the run game will open opportunities for big plays through the air.
“That’s mainly why we’re switching up the offense. Once they think it’s a run and they bring that safety down, that’s all we want - one-on-one - and we’re going to win.”
For all of his athletic traits, Burns also won state in the long jump, his unselfishness might be his biggest weapon.
“It don’t matter to me. As long as we score, it don’t matter. If I have a game with no catches and everybody gets to touch the ball and we win, I won’t have no problem with that,” Burns said.
As a junior, Burns led both football and track teams to state championships. Part of his unselfishness comes from a team-first attitude.
“He hates to lose. That’s the main thing. He’s real competitive,” said first-year receivers’ coach Ryan Theyard. “That’s the first thing to being a great player. You have to try and win your reps every time. You have to be motivated to push yourself even when you don’t feel like it. He’s one of those guys who does that. He pushes himself. He pushes his teammates, too, to step their game up.”