It could potentially be a baptism by fire for junior college transfer Andy Burburija. While he had been turning heads during fall camp, the former Iowa Western standout only got to campus a few months ago. Despite not taking part in spring practice, Tom Allen may be left with no choice but to start the undersized but powerful playmaker along the defensive line during Clemson's Week 1 opener at LSU.
It has everything to do with Clemson's front seven being in its worst spot in years. Add in the fact that presumptive starter Vic Burley has been suspended indefinitely by the program for his arrest last weekend, and the pressure is starting to mount even more for Burburija. While he looked the part in camp, this is no longer practice. Burburija's Clemson debut will come on the road at a top-15 team.
ESPN may have had Burburija listed as a potential breakout star for Clemson this year, but the Tigers will need him to contribute right away. "He's not very tall, but he is powerful, and he can run," Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen said. "I'm anxious to see him, because he obviously wasn't with us in spring, but really, we need him to play at a high level, and he's got a chance to. He is so strong."
It will take more than just physical strength for Burburija to become the player that Tom Allen needs.
Tom Allen needs for Andy Burburija to contribute right away for Clemson
There is no acclimation period for Burburija. He has to make it happen whenever he is on the field in Allen's defense. While Clemson's Week 1 road date at LSU could go in many different directions, it would be especially painful if it got out of hand for the Tigers because they were not competitive in the trenches. Lane Kiffin is a savvy offensive mind, so he may exploit Clemson's biggest weakness.
Should Sam Leavitt be able to operate from a clean pocket, it could be a long night for the Clemson defense. However, Burburija seems to have a certain edge about him on defense. He may be a bit undersized, but so too was Tigers legend Grady Jarrett. When playing defensive tackle, it is all about getting leverage. The low man wins, so to speak... Perhaps Burburija can use that to his advantage?
Even though he plays a position that does not often pop up on the stats sheet, Burburija can take on blockers to create opportunities for others to make plays. In short, if Burburija plays well, then it will almost certainly mean that edge rusher Will Heldt and linebacker Sammy Brown have strong games, too. It is about the defense coming together as a collective under Allen. Burburija has to be part of it.
With Brown, Heldt, and cornerback Ashton Hampton having emerged as stars on the defense, Allen needs someone to come alive for him in the trenches. Yes, it would have been great if it were Burley, but that is no longer in the cards now. Should Burburija take advantage of this situation, he can be the crucial fourth piece this Clemson defense needs. Allen should welcome that. So should the fan base.
If Burburija is unafraid to dive into the deep end of the pool, he could quickly become a fan favorite.
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