San Diego U-T Preps

SAN MARCOS — Shutdown cornerbacks are hard to find.

That's why dozens of college football recruiters are buzzing around Terrell Burgess.

But the San Marcos High senior has much more going for him. He's also tied for the county lead in pass receptions.

"I wish I'd have used him more on offense last season," said San Marcos coach Jason Texler.

Last year, Johnny McWilliams was the Knights' No. 1 target, leaving Burgess to make his mark on defense. But McWilliams opted to give up his senior football season and concentrate on basketball.

That opened the door for Burgess.

And he hasn't disappointed.

Through nine games, he has 56 receptions for 1,087 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He averages 19.4 yards a catch.

He's still a force on defense, but has only 21 tackles and three interceptions.

Last year, he had 51 tackles and four interceptions.

"No one throws at me anymore," Burgess said. "Last year I was kind of an unknown, so teams came after

me, and I had a chance to make plays."

So now Burgess makes his big plays on offense, including an 81-yard TD catch against Fallbrook and a

79-yarder against Del Norte.

"Our team passes more than it runs, so playing offense is a lot of fun," Burgess said. "Our quarterback

(junior Bryson Bolin) is a good kid and has picked up what we do so well (throwing for a county-leading 2,947

yards).

"Playing receiver really helps me on defense. As a cornerback, I know what receivers are going to try

and do to me. I can see from how the offense aligns whether it's a run or pass, whether they're going

to attack inside or outside."

Rivals and 247 Sports rate Burgess as a three-star recruit.

At 6 feet, 180 pounds, he's on the big side as a corner. And he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds.

Plus, he's an all-league track athlete, who has bests of 11.14 in the 100, 22.31 in the 200, 42-111/2 in

the triple jump and 21-31/2 in the long jump.

Burgess said he runs track because it helps him in football.

"I don't know if Terrell's success on offense is going to sway the recruiters," Texler said. "I think he's the best receiver in the county and a great leader.

"He plays offense, defense and special teams for us. But the college guys love him as a defender."

Burgess has made official visits to Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Colorado State, San Diego State, Oregon State, Wisconsin and Utah State have made offers.

Nebraska recently entered the picture.

"I've got two trips left and I plan to take them," Burgess said. "I'd like to stay in California, but San Diego State is the only school in California that has offered.

"I'm a little torn because maybe it would be good to get away."

Burgess, who turns 17 this month, carries a 3.2 GPA and is an NCAA qualifier. He loves math and said a career in law could be in his future.

"I've always been one who's good at arguing his case," Burgess said. "So I'm thinking of majoring in political science or business management with an eye toward pre-law.

"First we've still got some business to take care of here at San Marcos."

The Knights are 7-2 heading into Friday's game against crosstown rival Mission Hills, which is 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in the county.

"This is my senior year and things are winding down faster than I'd like," Burgess said. "I think I've made the most out of my high school career, but thinking the end is close is bittersweet.

"We want a championship ring. We want to hang a banner in our new gym.

"And we'd like to beat Mission Hills and win a city championship."

CATCHING ON

Game-by-game receiving totals for San Marcos senior Terrell Burgess:

Opponent / Rec / Yds / TDs

Oceanside / 7 / 100 / 0

Chula Vista / 4 / 96 /3

Escondido / 7 / 139 / 2

Fallbrook / 5 / 171 / 3

Westview / 9 / 100 / 0

RBV / 6 / 133 / 3

Del Norte / 6 / 178 / 2

Vista / 5 / 105 / 1

San Pasqual / 7 / 65 / 2

Total / 56 / 1,087 / 16