Jeffery Burley Signs With Wake Forest

Jeffery Burley, a 6’3" 215 lbs linebacker out of Jackson High School, has officially signed with Wake Forest. He’s part of a hard-hitting group of defensive playmakers from Georgia that Clawson & Co. picked up this year.

Jeff Burley is officially a Deacon! Athletic LBer who can run and hit! Welcome to the Deacs! #GoDeacs pic.twitter.com/wXA6VFuzmV

— Dave Clawson (@CoachClawson) February 1, 2017

Burley committed to the Deacs on July 18, 2016. However, his performance as a senior didn’t go unnoticed, and he picked up an offer in late October from Ole Miss. The Rebels appeared to prioritize and actively recruit Burley, and at one point an official visit was scheduled for January. This had Wake Fans worried, particularly when linebackers coach Clark Lea followed Mike Elko to Notre Dame after the 2016 season. However, Burley put those concerns to rest by reaffirming his commitment on January 25th.

A consensus three star recruit, Burley was ranked as the 16th best inside linebacker in the country (340th player overall) by 247Sports. He was named to Georgia’s Class AAA all-state team as a senior. His play earned him more than a dozen offers, including from eight P5 programs. He chose Wake Forest over offers from ACC foes Louisville and NC State, and SEC programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Burley is a hard-hitting linebacker who quickly finds his way to the ball and runs right through whoever is unlucky enough to be holding it when he gets there. At 6’3", he has the frame to be a physical college player, particularly if he adds a bit more bulk. His 40 time is listed at 4.6 to 4.7, but you generally have to take high school 40 times with a grain of salt. That said, his highlights do show good quickness and the ability to play sideline to sideline and chase plays down from behind. Which is nice and all, but really the tale of the tape is big hits, and lots of them. Watch, get excited, and welcome Jeffery to Wake!