Page 47 - 2020 Sollenberger

Speed to Burn: Catch Poston Butte’s jack of all trades if you can
By Leo Toctherman azpreps365.com
Zion Burns can do it all on the football field.
Whether it’s breaking a huge gain out of the backfield, locking down an opposing team’s receiver at cornerback, or taking a punt to the house, he has the ability to take over a game from anywhere on the field. As a junior at Poston Butte, Burns rushed for 1,542 yards and 20 touchdowns, all while splitting carries and playing both sides of the
ball. The 6-foot, 180-pound Burns rushes with a unique combination of power and agility, which is partly why he’s considered a top-20 senior in the state of Arizona ahead of the 2020 season.
Poston Butte head coach Dain Thompson expects to utilize Burns and his 4.43 speed this year, as he’s done previously, as a jack of all trades.
“There is a great likelihood he (Burns) will be in the same boat this year,” Thompson said. “If we can create some depth, where he’s a full-time running back, then that’s great for us. If we don’t have those young guys that step up and take over one of those roles as a corner, then we already know what we can do with him.”
Thompson trusts Burns to play at a high level on both sides thanks to the elite athletic traits he possesses.
“You have to be a tough kid and super committed and in great shape to play two ways,” Thompson said. “Last year, he was a full-time corner and we did running back by committee at times.”
After such a strong junior campaign, Thompson mentioned that he’d like to see Burns make little improvements to the areas he already succeeds at to really round himself out before graduating.
“I think that we really just want him to keep moving in the direction he’s moved in already,” Thompson said. “His leadership abilities have improved drastically over the last year. We expect him to play with a lot of confidence, and we just look for him to be better at everything he’s done for us so far. He ran the ball extremely hard last year, and I think that’s one of his key things. He’s a strong runner, and he’s got great speed and length on defense.”
In addition to his growth on the football field, Thompson praised Burns’ growth as a vocal leader since joining varsity as a sophomore. “Most kids as sophomores who wind up playing varsity are pretty
quiet,” Thompson said. “As a junior, his responsibilities on the team grew. He was more of a lead by example guy. He wasn’t going to be boisterous very often. Already this year we’re seeing that his ability to communicate orally has improved drastically. I think that because of his abilities, kids are going to ultimately look to him to lead and show the way, so it’s good that he’s finding his voice before his senior year.”
Burns’ impressive 2019 campaign was in part fueled by a family trag- edy that motivated him to have a huge year.
“I lost a family member before the season,” Burns said. “I kind of used it as positivity instead of negativity to make them proud of me.”
As a result of his breakout season last year, Burns was awarded mul- tiple scholarship offers from several Division I schools. Ultimately, Burns picked the University of Nevada, where he will play defensive back, citing the family atmosphere as one of the main reasons for choosing the Wolf Pack.
“I just liked it when I got there,” Burns said. “I liked the way that the coaches treated me and my family and how I was treated as more than just an athlete.”
Poston Butte finished 5-5 in the 4A Conference last season, but with Burns ready to take another leap and 17 starters returning, including four two-way players, expect the Broncos to improve upon that win total in 2020.
Keeping up with Poston Butte’s Zion Burns won’t be easy this season. (Photo courtesy of Dain Thompson)
Poston Butte - 4A Black Canyon Region
Head coach: Dain Thompson.
Years as school’s head coach: 3.
2019 record: 5-5.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. RB Zion Burns 6-0, 180 (1,542, 20 TDs); Sr. QB Gavin Lloyd 5-11, 170 (792 yards passing, 3 TDs; 665 yards rushing, 7 TDs); Sr. RB Nick Cocomello 5-10, 175 (309 yards rushing, 6 TDs); Sr. OC Miles Hammond 6-1, 190; Sr. OG David Guedea 5-11, 220; Sr. WR Mattias Perez 5-11, 155 (291 yards receiving, 3 TDs); Jr. TE Zac McMahon 6-3, 170; Sr. Slot Jimmy Brooks 6-1, 185.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. OLB/Nickel Nick Cocomello 5-11, 175; Sr. CB Zion Burns 6-0, 180 (39 tackles); Sr. SS Jimmy Brooks 6-1, 185; Sr. FS Mattias Perez 5-11, 155; Jr. LB Riley Nolan 5-11, 165; Jr. OLB Justin Evans 6-0, 170; Sr. DL Kalob Holzinger 6-0, 240; Sr. DL Chad Huston 6-0, 220; Sr. DE Chris Fowler 5-9, 205 (36 tackles, 4 sacks).
Also keep an eye on: So. OL Cade Alisa 6-4, 260; So. OL, Bobby Gaitan 5-11 , 235; Fr. OL David Kamody 6-3, 310; Fr. WR/S, Travis Ford 6-3, 170; So. TE/QB/S Connor Lopez 6-3, 190.
Strengths of offense: Returning QB, Gavin Lloyd as a triple threat: runner, passer and leader. Returning RB Zion Burns, fast and tough, Division I athlete. Overall team experience, lots of guys who contributed in different positions return. OL: Although we only return two players, our line will be bigger and more athletic this year. Versatility: We were a run heavy team last season. Experience and a returning QB will allow us to be more balanced.
Strengths of defense: Experience: Because of injuries last season, many return- ers were forced into starting roles and produced. Depth: We return nine players that started at different times at LB. Nick Cocomello OLB/Nickel will show up as an elite play-maker. Our team speed will be significantly better than a year ago. Team’s biggest question mark(s): Our depth will be so much better. Who will earn starting positions is a question? Returners keep their spots or possibly get beat out!
2020 expectations: Train hard, practice hard and perform as a TEAM. Prepare as a starter, take advantage of every opportunity. Be the most physical team on the field. Our weekly goal is to win each game. Period.
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