An open-field playmaker in all three phases of the game, Eli Burns Eli Burns 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB/WR East Marshall | 2027 IA is the type of target all the small schools in Iowa should be after. Able to make something out of nothing in the return game and take what looks like a play that’s dead in the water and proceed to turn it into a score, Burns is a dangerous return man.

A smooth route-runner that, given space, can make tacklers miss for big gains or touchdowns, and a defensive back that reads the eyes of the quarterback before breaking on the ball and taking it all the way home, Burns is a versatile playmaker with upside.

Burns did just about everything on Friday nights save working the concession stand at halftime. The East Marshall junior accumulated 28.5 tackles, 21 of which were solo stops. He added a tackle for loss and a pair of interceptions. On offense, he hauled in 32 receptions for 476 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 38 yards and a score on three carries, and contributed a two-point conversion. Burns averaged 18.6 yards on seven punt returns and 16.0 yards on five kick returns. He produced 24 touchbacks on 37 kickoffs and was 2 of 2 on field-goal attempts, including a long from 32 yards out. The broad base of skills and athleticism required to produce in all of those areas of the game are easily spotted when watching his 11th-grade highlight video. Burns rips off a long punt return on the opening clip, making multiple guys miss in tight quarters before busting out and flashing speed. He lines up as an outside receiver on Clip 2, selling an underneath route and crossing up the cornerback before taking off for a long catch down the field. There’s a lot of explosiveness in Burns’ game in all three phases. His frame can comfortably add good weight in a college strength and conditioning program.