PALM BEACH GARDENS – When Kamari Burns gets an opportunity to shine on the field, he makes the most of it.
All it takes is one play to make a difference.
For the Dwyer outgoing senior linebacker and strong safety, his signature moment came in Week 8 against Royal Palm Beach. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive standout caught a pick-six that sealed a 28-21 road win for his team.
Burns had a lot to say about the Panthers game against the Wildcats.
“In the beginning, we were losing on mental mistakes, and it was so embarrassing,” said Burns, who had 11 total tackles (eight solo) in the game. “During halftime, I got the team together and told them that we gotta tighten up or we are gonna lose to Royal. After I spoke to them, they got right, and played how we should’ve from the start. The second half, Royal didn’t score, and our offense was eating. Then it was tied up (21-21) with a minute left.”
Burns on the game-winning play that came soon thereafter:
“They were in an empty set, and I was lined up on the running back,” Burns said. “They ran their play, and as their running back was running a go route, I saw the wide out hit a quick hitch. So I passed the go route to my corner and played the hitch. Their quarterback threw the ball and we both went for it, but I was not letting him come down with it. I picked it off and went the other way with it.”
In nine games played, Burns finished his senior season with 59 tackles (37 solo), five pass breakups, three tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and the pick-six. He would go on to win his team’s Coaches Award for his overall efforts on the field.
“I’m glad I got to play with my boys for one last ride,” Burns said. “Coach [McKinley] Rolle put a lot into me and trusted me to lead the team this past year. It was a lot of fun.”
The senior season for Burns ultimately resulted in him getting 11 total scholarship offers, which include the likes of Rockford, Alvernia, and Heidelberg, to name just a few. He provided some commentary on the aforementioned schools.
“Rockford is a more experienced team, and I think they’re known for having a good education,” Burns said. “They have the major I want to be in, which is business (finance) and physical therapy, since i want to double major. It’s a change of environment, since I would be in a change of weather.”
Burns on how Rockford (Illinois) and Alvernia (Reading, Pa.) are similar to each other:
“They both run a 3-4 defense and would work me down into the strong safety position,” Burns said. “They’re my top two right now from all the offers I posted. But Heidelberg (Tiffin, Ohio) is in the mix as well.”
In all honesty, it could be a little while before Burns makes his final decision.
“Once I can get in touch with the coaches again to talk everything over, then I’ll let you know for sure,” he said.
SIDE NOTE: Burns would like to credit his father, Chris Rutledge, for how far he has come in the game of football. Rutledge is a University of Miami alum (offensive lineman from 2004 until 2008) and is currently the offensive assistant coach for American Heritage (Delray Beach).
“He is the reason I’m playing football,” Burns said of Rutledge. “He’s pushed me to be the best I can be. He showed me the game and worked me out. He plays the biggest part in helping me play how I do. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
