Caleb Burton is one of the best players from the Fairview Heights, Illinois area in the Class of 2022.
The 5-foot-11,155-pound Burton is a versatile player that works as a wide receiver, running back and linebacker.
Burton has played for the Fairview Heights Falcons, O’Fallon Panthers and Belleville Little Devils during his outstanding youth football career.
Burton has earned plenty of recognition, such as 2017 Player of the Year for offense and defense, as well as being selected to an all-star game.
Burton is humbled by the recognition.
“It meant a lot to me because it showed how my hard work paid off,” Burton said. “But none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for my coaches and teammates.”
No matter the opponent, on each snap Burton is determined to give it his all.
Burton is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Burton steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to hustle on every play and perfect my craft,” Burton said. “I want my opponent to have to work for everything they get when I’m out there.”
Burton has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Burton tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love the contact and competitive nature of the sport,” Burton said. “I love to go out there with my teammates and win games.”
Burton has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Football has taught me so much,” Burton said. “It has taught me most importantly that anything is possible if you work hard for it and never give up.”
Burton recalls his favorite football memory.
“My favorite memory playing football was when I hurt my ankle playing basketball on Tuesday and had to play the No. 1 team in football on Saturday,” Burton said. “I ended up with seven receptions, 142 yards, two touchdowns and also 14 tackles plus an interception.”
Reginald Warren coached Burton for three years with the O’Fallon Panthers and Fairview Heights Falcons.
Warren explains the best parts of Burton’s game.
“At all position he played at an extremely very high level. Either side of the ball he shut it down on defense and took over on offence. When we needed a home run we always called his number and he did his job and produced,” Warren said. “He has great technique at every position he plays. When he steps on the high school field he will be his coach’s dream player because he will be able to be used anywhere.”
Burton takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Burton makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by communicating effectively with them and pushing them to do there best,” Burton said. “I tell them to always compete and never give up.”
Warren raves that Burton is the consummate teammate that every locker room needs to be successful.
“He is a great teammate and leader. Always getting his guys ready and leading with his play,” Warren said. “When the game is close or need that push he is always calm cause he has been there before and completes the task.”
Burton is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My dad has always taught me to work hard as a player and always treat people with respect,” Burton said. “He says to always strive to be the best you can be.”
Warren is an advocate of Burton’s capabilities.
“He made all kinds of great plays. There is truly not just one I can put my finger on. It’s truly that many,” Warren said. “From great plays running and catching the ball. To hitting so hard play after play taking the other teams will to win.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Burton also has a high level of football IQ as well.
Burton has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He has a very high IQ on the field and off. He’s big on studying his playbook and being ready to play. He takes challenges and crunches them,” Warren said. “Every season he come back bigger and faster and ready to go. He is a playmaker.”
Burton is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He works hard all the time. He is not just a great football player but basketball player also. He works hard year round being a multi-sport athlete,” Warren said. “He is always in shape and ready to perform.”
Warren shares why he compares Pielock to this star wide receiver.
“He’s a lot like Antonio Brown,” Warren said. “The way he catches the ball and runs with it. He is the first option.”
On the ground, Burton patterns his style of play after this future Hall of Fame member.
“I look up to Adrian Peterson,” Burton said. “He’s my favorite player because of how hard he runs.”
Burton is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“I want to be the best player in the field and be a model citizen off the field,” Burton said. “I would to love to give back to the young athletes when I get older.”
Before the pros, Burton dreams of one day becoming the next great Florida State Seminole.
“I have always loved that school,” Burton said. “I would be honored to play for Coach Taggart and continue the strong tradition there.”
Burton lists math as his favorite subject in school.
“I love the challenge of solving problems,” Burton said.
Warren outlines the next areas of improvement that will take Burton’s game to the next level.
“All he needs to do is keep doing what he is doing better each day. His has all the tools to be great,” Warren said. “He will be playing on Saturday and even Sunday if he keeps performing the way he does.”
Warren is confident Pielock will achieve his dreams as long as he continues to stay hungry.
“Sky is not even the limit for him. It’s more like outer space. He can be and do anything he sets his mind to,” Warren said. “He is a great student in the classroom and just the same of the field and basketball court. He just needs to keep working hard.”
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