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The Utah Utes' plans of building their secondary around cornerback Brandon Burton have apparently been dashed as the 6-foot, 185-pound junior announced he is leaving school early to try his luck in the NFL draft.
Burton was a second-team all-MWC pick this year after snagging two interceptions and leading the Utes with eight pass breakups.
He runs a 4.35 in the 40.
Burton made the announcement on his Twitter page, adding, "To ute nation I love u guys and appreciate all the support through the years."
Burton, who gained fame for blocking BYU's field-goal attempt on the last play of the game in November to preserve Utah's 17-16 win, has been projected as a late first-round to third-round pick.
He plans to continue working toward his degree in economics from Utah.
"I'll take online classes initially and in the offseason, I'll come back to Utah, enroll in classes and finish up," he said.
The Salt Lake Tribune