6/14/2016 football Edit

Moorpark College defensive back plans to transfer to Colorado

Jalin Burrell made the transition from offense to defense last season at Moorpark College.

Adam Munsterteiger

Publisher

Jalin Burrell had established himself as a playmaker on offense in high school, and again at the Junior College level. But after he moved to defensive back during his sophomore season at Moorpark College, he really seemed to find his calling. Only six passes were completed against him in the five games he played cornerback in 2015.

“I played a little safety in high school but I had always been predominantly used as an offensive weapon,” said the 6-foot-2, 192-pound Burrell. “Last season was the first time I got really serious about playing defense. I was all-league as a corner despite only playing five games there so I feel like the sky is the limit for me at this position.”

Burrell heard from a number of four-year college programs but when the Buffaloes extended an offer earlier this month, he came to a decision relatively quickly.

“After Colorado offered, I really sat down and thought about everything. Cal had also reached out the same day [Buffs head] coach [Mike] MacIntyre called and offered me so I really had a lot to think about that day,” Burrell recalled. “Just thinking about Colorado, and even thinking outside of football, I thought it was a great opportunity."

“I wanted to make sure it wasn't just a one night feeling so I waited a few days and then I gave Coach MacIntyre a call to tell him I would like to commit to the school," he continued. "I am really, really, really, really excited about how beautiful the school looks. I couldn't be more excited about my commitment to Colorado.”

Burrell could end up playing any position in the secondary when he arrives at Colorado next year.

Burrell claims other offers from Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Iowa State, Louisiana Tech, Purdue, South Alabama and New Mexico. And he was hearing from BYU, Cal, Oregon State, TCU, Washington State, Baylor, Hawaii, Ohio and Southern Utah.

Burrell is taking nine credit units at Moorpark College this summer, and he will take another course in the fall before obtaining his AA degree in December. Burrell is on pace to transfer to Colorado next spring, and if he redshirts this fall as expected, he will have two years to play two with the Buffaloes.

“Colorado told me they are going to move me around, kind of like what they have done with Chidobe Awuzie, who is one of the top defensive backs in the Pac-12,” Burrell said. “I can play cornerback, nickel [back] or safety. Personally I do want to play cornerback, but I am just so excited to get to Colorado, it doesn't really matter where I play.”