By Paul Condry and Matt Kopsea
Tyrone Burrus does not mind being a little bit on edge before each contest.
“Everyone says you need to be super locked in and ignore your nerves,” explained Burrus. “However, your nerves keep you on your toes and helps you stay aware of your opponent.”
This plan of attack paid off for the 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior defensive end on September 6 when he came up with eight tackles and three quarterback sacks in Warren Central’s 30-0 blanking of North Central (Indianapolis).
Following his weekly routine has also paid dividends for the three-year starting standout.
“I always make sure before every game I stretch out good and then work my steps and moves on air,” explained Burrus. “As for getting ready mentally, I like to listen to music that gets me hyped up and loose.”
Maybe everyone on the defensive unit has taken his advice as the No. 3 (Class 6A) Warriors are off to a 5-0 start and held their first four opponents scoreless in the process.
However, Burrus can’t take all the credit for their good fortune since they have already equaled last year’s win total (5-7 in 2023).
“I would say the play of our linebackers has been the difference,” explained Burrus. “They really have stepped up their game from last year. But the whole defense makes the plays from just doing our jobs.”
After coming up with 67 total tackles, nine sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a touchdown during his sophomore and junior campaigns, he continues doing his fair share with 22 tackles, including five for loss, three sacks, and a batted pass.
“I try not to let the pressure and stress bother me,” explained Burrus. “I would say I handle it pretty well because I just keep having fun throughout it all. That because once you start thinking about it, you are already lost.”
Since he was six years old, he has had a passion for not only football, but athletics in general.
“My dad has been my biggest influence when it comes to sports,” explained Burrus. “He has always kept me heading down the right path and I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance.
However, he realizes now that mother does know best.
“I also owe a lot to my mom because she always encouraged me not to give up on anything,” Burrus recalled. “When I was a freshman, I was thinking about quitting football, but she encouraged me to stick it out and I’m glad I did now.”
Another positive presence in his life has been Warren Central boss Mike Kirschner.
“It’s been great working with Coach Kirschner,” Burrus said. “He actually became the head man during my freshman year, so we both just grew off each other and he’s helped me a lot along the way.”
The veteran field general has mutual respect for his veteran in the trenches.
“Tyrone is a physical and athletic football player,” Kirschner said. “But the best part about him is his genuine concern for his teammates and his school.”
Burrus’ talents are just not limited to the gridiron.
In addition to competing on the track and field squad, he also maintains a 3.3 grade-point average in the classroom.
“It is really easy once you get the grove of things,” Burrus said about the classroom. “The secret for me personally has been doing all the work in class, going to practice, watching film, and then doing my homework.”
All the hard work both on and off the football field has paid dividends in terms of his future.
After weighing offers from several NCAA Division One programs, including Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan State, he decided to make the University of Louisville his next destination.
“I felt at home there with the coaches and everyone else,” Burrus said. “They have a great staff and made me feel welcome and wanted.”
Before heading off to Kentucky, though, he still has some things he wants to accomplish.
“I just want to go out with a bang and make the most of my senior season,” Burrus said. “You only get four years of high school ball, so I want to enjoy it and do my best to help the team.”
His next mission takes place on September 27 when Warren Central travels to Indianapolis Pike (3-2).
“My number one goal is to be as healthy as possible,” Burrus said. “I also want to step up my game and prepare for another long road ahead of me.”
