Newly drafted Los Angeles Rams defensive back and former Utah Ute Terrell Burgess was awarded the 2019-20 PAC-12 Tom Hansen Conference Medal.
The honor is bestowed annually upon each member college’s senior male and female athletes for their contributions both on the field and academically.
Burgess was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention during his senior year at Utah where he recorded 81 total tackles, (7.5 for a loss, .5 sacks), while also recording one interception in 14 games played. He also came up with fives passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
During his time as a student at Utah, Burgess studied kinesiology and eventually received his degree. He also was involved in the school’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, another indicator of his ability as a leader.
His efforts with the Utes earned him a draft selection as the Rams took him in the third round with the No. 104 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. After the departure of Nickell Robey-Coleman, Burgess figures to play the slot cornerback role, but will also likely see snaps at safety in different looks under new Los Angeles defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Burgess’ versatility in the secondary will be a boon for the Rams’ defense as he should be able to cover several different positions and hopefully give opposing offenses trouble. The rookie joins a unit headlined by Jalen Ramsey, but also will play alongside talented safeties in John Johnson III and Taylor Rapp.
With so many new faces both on the roster and the sidelines, it will be interesting to see how Los Angeles looks on the field once the 2020 NFL season kicks off in the coming months. After missing the playoffs for the first time during Sean McVay’s tenure as head coach, the Rams will be eager to get back to the postseason and prove that the 2019 NFL season is behind them.
