Roberto Burgess is one of the best players from the Pennsauken, NJ area in the Class of 2025.
The 5-foot-7, 146-pound Burgess, is a dynamic player that works as a running back and outside linebacker.
Burgess has earned plenty of recognition during his career, such as: Brett Cooper All American Bowl selection, 302 Elite Combine top 5 fastest, 2018 MVP (PYAA), top performance at Mohamed Sanu Football Pro Camp ,USA National Team invite to Appalachia Prep Combine, and North America vs. Canada 2020 Bowl invitation.
Burgess is humbled by the accolades.
“It means a lot to me. It helps me set my goals higher and strengthens my skills to help me become a great NFL player,” Burgess said. “The experience was awesome. I felt extremely blessed to have my talent noticed by the people who can help me become a NFL player. Each experience feels like a dream come true and confirmation of all my hard work and ambitions.”
Last season, Burgess amassed 18 touchdowns, 19 tackles, and two interceptions.
No matter the opponent, every game Burgess is determined to give it his all.
Burgess is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Burgess steps between the lines.
“My mindset at RB is hit my cuts , my holes, play the position right and be a great player at that position. Have awesome vision seeing the field, so you know what you have to do to score if you have to have a cut back lane or something else,” Burgess said. “At OLB I’m going to come up and make plays. I’m going to be coachable, have a great attitude, be a team player and anything a coach needs, I’m there.”
Burgess has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field. Burgess tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love everything,” Burgess said. “I love how it changes people's lives by making dreams come true. I love that I can play, win, and have fun while doing it. Also, competition and exposure is the best.”
Burgess has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
“It has taught me how to keep my eye focused on my goals and how to strategically make it through life’s obstacles trying to reach them,” Burgess said.
Burgess shares his favorite memory of playing football.
“My first kick return touchdown. I was so hyped. The sideline said: ‘Go Berto, go!’ I caught the ball right from the air and had great blocking,” Burgess said. “I had the speed to just run. No dancing and I just went. Hearing my mother was the best but then the coaches jumping on me hyping me up was great as well.”
Burgess takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Burgess makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“When I’m on the field, there’s no ‘I’ in team. So when my teammates mess up, we all mess up. I try to encourage them to get back up. I say you can give a play up but be a demon on the next play. Make a better play and don’t give up on yourself. When someone is down I try to help pick them up,” Burgess said. “The best advice I give is to keep your head up and just make the next play better than the last one.”
Burgess is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I’ve learned from my coaches how to stay humble. I always have to be a student before an athlete. I take my GPA very seriously,” Burgess said. “The best advice I’ve gotten is that if you want to be the best, you have to work to be the best.’
Burgess patterns his mentality after this legend.
“I look up to Barry Sanders,” Burgess said. “The way he touched the ball and took off amazes me. I feel like he was the best running back in the league.”
Burgess lists math as his favorite subject in school.
“I’ve always had an A or B,” Burgess said. “It was very easy when I paid attention and that’s what I did.”
Burgess explains his collegiate aspirations.
“My top choices are Clemson, Ohio State, Penn State, LSU, and Florida,” Burgess said.
Burgess maintains a rigorous schedule to stay sharp.
“I do speed, agility, foot work and strength work,” Burgess said. “I also work on my hands too and keep my knees up a lot.”
Burgess is striving for greatness in all that he does.
“In high school I want to be a straight A student and a starting running back on varsity,” Burgess said.
Burgess describes what he believes separates himself from the pack.
“I play against other athletes. Some of them don’t take the game seriously and they quit or give up,” Burgess said. “I keep pushing, getting better, and I want it more than some kids who don’t want it like me. I want to make my mom proud and take her out of the state.”
Speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor
How can we help? Your concerns are ours.
Youth1’s Recruiting Counselors are on a mission to educate you on the recruiting process - a process that starts early and is very competitive! Let us provide guidance through the most important decisions shaping your athlete's journey in sports.
Schedule a time to speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor. It's FREE!
Stop waiting to get recruited!
Recruiting Wizard puts the power into your hands. Click here to learn how.
This article was written and posted by one of our talented contributors. If you think you've got the writing, research and social media skills to join Youth1's freelance team then send a resume and writing sample to [email protected] for consideration.