Telegram & Gazette "Worcester State football preview: Oxford's Chris Burley gives Lancers a boost at tackle"

Telegram & Gazette

By Jay Gearan
 

WORCESTER, Mass. — His coaches and teammates know well that Worcester State University's Chris Burley, a talented offensive tackle, is a man of few words.

They also know that Burley's actions on the football field crank up the volume of every game.

When the Lancers open their season Sept. 5 at Salve Regina, the laconic 6-foot-2, 270-pound Burley, a senior from Oxford, will be back leading the offensive line from his right tackle position.

"Chris is awesome. He doesn't say too much, but he's all about leading by example," Lancers wide receiver and tri-captain Arron Witkus said. "He goes out and just busts his butt on every single play, and he's a great example for some of the younger players. We have some loud kids on this team, but Chris proves that you don't have to be the loudest to get your job done."

Worcester State coach Brien Cullen, as he watched Burley sprint through drills last week during a humid afternoon on the Coughlin Field turf, called him "the most quietly consistent player on the team."

It's obvious that Cullen, who enters his 33rd season with the Lancers and has coached all types of personalities from A to Z, appreciates Burley's style. Cullen knows that still waters run deep, and a superb right tackle can make for deep runs through opposing defenses.

Burley began playing football at Oxford as an eighth-grader. "Before that," he said, "I was just a big guy. My dad got me interested in playing, and after that first season, I just loved it. It's been fun playing here. Four years have gone by fast, and hopefully I can finish out strong."

A loyal commitment to the weight room throughout the year has helped him improve from season to season, building up his strength for the demands of his challenging position.  Burley said that firing out on the snap of the ball and staying low through his blocks are key elements to success.

The Lancers' staff has come to rely on Burley's steady play in each game.

"Chris is a four-year starter for us," Cullen said. "He's not a rah-rah guy, but he shows up every day, never misses a practice and gets the job done. And he never complains."

Offensive line coach Adam Peloquin recalls Burley stepping into the starting lineup as a freshman for the final four games. "He really impressed us, right from the start," Peloquin said. "And he's been a mainstay at that right tackle position ever since."

Peloquin added that Burley has missed only one game with an injury (hamstring) since 2012. "He doesn't miss a beat," Peloquin said, noting Burley's exceptional blocking ability on running plays and superb pass protection skills.

Senior star running back and tri-captain Kemani Jones, who scored 13 rushing touchdowns last season, is pleased that Burley again will anchor the right side of the offensive line. "Chris does a nice job of kicking out defensive ends on some of our plays, and that creates holes for the backs," Jones said.

"When he was a sophomore, and I was in my first year here, I noticed Chris already had the veteran mentality that all great offensive linemen seem to have," said Witkus, a junior. "Some guys talk, but Burley definitely walks the walk. And he's not just a big kid, he's very athletic with quick feet."

Burley's top-notch play helped the Lancers bounce back from a 3-7 season in 2013 to a 7-3 showing last year. "We had a good group of leaders and captains last year, and they really helped us turn things around," said Burley, whose younger brother, David, also an Oxford High grad, is a freshman with the Lancers this year.

"This is my fourth year on the team with Chris," senior defensive back and tri-captain Brian Gencargelli said. "It's a blessing to have him back with the other veterans on our offensive line."

Burley's dream as he looks forward to his final season? "Winning it all and getting a ring," he said.

A health education major, Burley said he's interested in becoming a physical education teacher when he completes his college degree next spring.

"I love Worcester State, the campus, everything," Burley said. "I've met some great people here, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

No doubt his teammates are happy that the quiet man in the offensive line is where he is for another season.

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