Football went from a secondary sport to Josh Burris' passion.
And it was Burris' passion that helped lead South Garland to one of its best seasons last year, and that has the Colonels poised for a run at a district title after sharing one last year.
"We want to go further than last year," Burris said. "That's what we're working for."
South Garland is fortunate to have Burris (5-11, 192 pounds) in its secondary. After playing in elementary and middle school, Burris didn't play football his freshman year. South Garland is rich in basketball tradition, and that's the sport Burris wanted to play.
He returned to football as a sophomore and played wide receiver for the junior varsity. Burris enjoyed the position but was moved to defensive back as a junior. Coach Mickey Moss and secondary coach William Calvert endorsed the move because the Colonels had an overflow of receivers, and assistant coach J.E. Lancaster told Moss that Burris was one of the city's best players in middle school.
"I was mad at first," Burris said. "But coach Calvert said it would be a good roll of the dice."
Was it ever. Burris recorded team highs in tackles (122) and interceptions (seven) and received honorable mention on The Associated Press' Class 5A All-State team.
"For a high school safety, he's top-notch," Calvert said. "He does so many things so well."
| BY THE NUMBERS |
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Tackles Josh Burris made last season |
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Tackles Burris recorded in a 22-19 victory over Rowlett last season |
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Interceptions Burris had last season |
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Interceptions Burris made against Rowlett |
QUOTEBOARD
"I think a lot of people are still talking down about us, like they don't expect anything out of us. That motivates me." - South Garland free safety Josh Burris
"Playing with Josh is like having an older brother out there. He'll put you in line if he has to, but it's always fun to play with your older brother." - South Garland cornerback James Bradley
"I know they're excited about the season, but we haven't won a game yet this year. We'll have to keep them humble." - South Garland defensive backs coach William Calvert, on speculation that the Colonels have one of the best secondaries in the state
Running and lifting weights weren't the only things South Garland free safety Josh Burris did to become one of the area's best defensive backs.
"He's such an intelligent kid," coach Mickey Moss said. "He makes a lot of our adjustments and reacts well. He's such a positive presence back there."
The free safety and the linebackers are the most important cogs in South Garland's 4-2-5 defense. Burris identifies the strong side of an offense and adjusts the secondary accordingly. The cornerbacks and the two other safeties depend on Burris to put them in the right position.
Burris said he has made the most progress in "reading keys." Before a play, Burris studies the offensive tackle. If he pulls or bursts forward, it's a running play. If he drops back, it's a pass. Burris' coaches make sure he can read the play correctly.
"They beat that into my head every day," Burris said. "Now I'm glad, because it worked."
Not only does Burris identify plays, he usually makes them. Burris has the speed to stay with wide receivers and the strength to stop running backs. He takes pride in his physical play.
"Most free safeties backpedal," Burris said. "I don't backpedal."
"He's the captain of our defense," cornerback James Bradley said. "He hardly talks, so when he does, you listen to him."
Bradley said he appreciates the way Burris handles his peers in the secondary when they make a mistake.
"He doesn't scream in front of everybody to make you feel bad," Bradley said. "He'll talk to you on the side and let you know."
Although Burris prefers to handle such matters tactfully, sometimes circumstances don't warrant discretion.
"I'll get in their face in a second," Burris said. "I'm trying to talk more on the field."
 Bradley said Burris keeps a low profile on the weekends. He said Burris can often be found lifting weights or running. When Burris does go out, Bradley said, he usually keeps to a small group.
"We'll just walk around and go to the mall or something," Bradley said.
Bradley said Burris is a homebody who likes spending time with his family. Burris is one of five children whose names begin with the letter J: Jacque, 19; Josh, 17; Jackie, 15; James, 11; and Jasmaine, 3.
Although opposing running backs and receivers may not believe it after getting hit by South Garland free safety Josh Burris, he does have a soft side.
One of Burris' favorite classes is English. He said he enjoys reading plays and poetry, especially William Shakespeare's work.
"I like the mushy stuff," Burris said. "I like the love scenes and how a guy used to talk to a girl."
That soft side is also present on game days. While some teammates are banging their heads to metal or singing along to rap, Burris' pregame music is serene. One group he enjoys listening to before a game is The Isley Brothers. Burris said he likes love songs, and it's the type of music he grew up listening to.
"He sometimes listens to some Michael Jackson and I kind of laughed," cornerback James Bradley said. "But he plays great when he listens to that kind of music."
But the love songs can only do so much. Before the Colonels hit the field, Burris said he pops in some of rapper Lil' John to get him going.
"He's just fun to be around," coach Mickey Moss said. "He's competitive in the classroom and the weight room, and it's a great example to the rest."
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