Former Gator Trey Burton set to benefit from new Eagles offense
By Andrew Olson
Published:
For his first two seasons in the NFL, Trey Burton was stuck playing special teams.
The former Gator who played quarterback, tight end, fullback, running back and wide receiver for Florida (2010-13) was drafted as a tight end by Philadelphia. Former Eagles coach Chip Kelly’s offense, however, did not focus on tight ends. In most instances, Kelly’s plays called only featured one tight end on the field, and that was either Brent Celek or Zach Ertz. In two seasons, Burton played a total of 69 offensive snaps.
But Kelly is gone, and new coach Doug Pederson’s offense should mean more playing time for Burton. A big plus for Burton comes in the fact that Pederson uses multiple tight ends and also a fullback, unlike Kelly. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Burton’s size is a fit at fullback. He just has to prove he’s able to play in the backfield, according to The News Journal’s Martin Frank.
“Just the physical-ness of it,” Burton told Frank would be the biggest adjustment. “You’ve got a guy running five yards full speed at you and you’re running five yards, full speed, at him, and just hitting.”
If Burton can adjust, Pederson sees ways to use the former Gator’s versatility.
“He’s a guy that we’re going to have to rely on a little bit,” Pederson said. “I love the fact that we have depth at the tight end position and (we can) move him around a little bit, and create some matchups. That’s what you want out of guys like that. He’s a versatile role player.”
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
