Burton is an explosive back with quick feet, good agility, and elite speed. He can bounce a run outside in a hurry and has the home run ability to score from anywhere on the field. He’s slippery in tight spaces, can make defenders miss in a phone booth, and has the burst to reaccelerate immediately after a cut. He keeps accelerating all the way down the field instead of getting caught from behind. Every touch feels like it has a chance to become an explosive play. The talent jumps off the tape, and it’s easy to see why there’s so much excitement about what he can become.

Burton got varsity work as a freshman on both sides of the ball, but I thought his upside at running back really stood out. He has good speed and vision and does a nice job reading blocks as they develop. When the edge is there, he can bounce outside and has the burst to turn it into a home run play. He’s not just a speed back either. He runs with some strength and isn’t afraid to finish through contact when defenders meet him in the hole. Getting meaningful reps as a freshman is never easy, and the flashes he showed suggest there could be a lot more coming.

Zyrek Burton Zyrek Burton 5'8" | 180 lbs | ATH/RB Bowling Green | 2029 State KY is a player who caught my attention when breaking down freshman year film. On offense, he saw limited carries on varsity in a crowded backfield but he was very impressive when his number was called. Burton has explosive speed which he uses to burst through the running lane then run away from the defense for big gains. He also has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Zyrek finished his freshman year with 17 carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns. He also made an impact on defense, recording 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. Burton will be an intriguing prospect to watch as his snaps continue to increase moving forward.

Zyrek Burton Zyrek Burton 5'8" | 180 lbs | ATH/RB Bowling Green | 2029 State KY has through-the-roof potential. A multi-positional prospect who shined in the evening portion for Southern Kentucky Elite, Burton is a strong cover corner with good ball skills. For all his abilities on defense, Burton is a very good prospect on offense where he displays dual-threat ability as a running back. He has good vision, balance, burst and change-of-direction, displays soft hands in the passing game and can work on his own after the catch.

Like most of the 8th Grade Kentucky Future Stars offensive players, the fastest 2029 prospect in Kentucky and reigning Division 1 Player of the Year struggled to get going. There’s no question Burton has all the ability in the world, but it was an uphill battle for him. He had a couple carries, but failed to move the needle in anyway. While it wasn’t his best day, it does not reflect the upside he has on the football field.

The fastest eighth-grader in Kentucky will be suiting up in the backfield for the KY Future Stars this June. Burton is a home run threat from anywhere on the field and has the potential to score any time the ball in his hands. His speed numbers are impressive and verified: a 4.6 in the forty, a PR of 11.27 in the 100m and a PR of 23.34 in the 200m. Burton brought home Player of the Year honors and headlines a talented group of 2029 Bowing Green Junior High prospects that reached the Region 1 Championship Game.

Very dangerous two-sport athlete with game-changing speed. Arguably the fastest 2029 prospect in the state of Kentucky, with the track numbers to back it up. Was clocked at an 11.29 in the 100m and 23.34 in the 200m in March 2025. Can play multiple positions and can be used in various ways. Looks most natural as a Running Back and Cornerback, based off what I’ve seen on film.