DJ Burns draws NFL interest amid NC State Final Four run

In a tournament renowned for its surprises, March Madness witnesses its most astounding yet: the No. 11 seed NC State Wolfpack, unexpected entrants after clinching the ACC Tournament, defy odds to reach the Final Four by triumphing in the South Regional. This marks their first semifinal appearance since 1983, when, guided by the iconic coach Jim Valvano, they seized the championship with a dramatic last-second dunk, toppling the heavily favored Houston in a game etched in college basketball lore. As his team stuns fans with their remarkable journey, Burns not only captivates basketball enthusiasts but also garners attention from NFL scouts, who are impressed by his remarkable blend of size and agility.

Burns wouldn't be the first college basketball player to transition to an NFL career. Notable examples include Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Jimmy Graham, who excelled in both sports. Julius Peppers, who played both basketball and football at North Carolina, opted for football full-time. Other former college basketball players turned NFL stars include Donovan McNabb, Antwaan Randle-El, Connor Barwin, Terrell Owens, Vincent Jackson, Martellus Bennett, and Julius Thomas. While most of these athletes gravitated towards offensive positions, such as quarterback or wide receiver, Burns' physique suggests a potential fit as an offensive lineman. If he decides to pursue it, there seems to be a pathway for him to make the leap to the NFL.

The helm of this year's squad is helmed by DJ Burns Jr., a towering presence standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 275 pounds, who made the transition from Winthrop two years ago. The formidable southpaw has been instrumental, averaging 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across the Wolfpack's four tournament outings. In a standout performance, he amassed 29 points in the team's stunning upset over Duke in the Elite Eight.

Even after orchestrating North Carolina State's remarkable victory over Duke, propelling the school to its initial Final Four berth in forty years, DJ Burns received additional gratification: commendation from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.


With a season-best 29 points, Burns led the Wolfpack to triumph over No. 4 Duke, drawing accolades from one of basketball's premier big men.


As the Wolfpack gear up to clash against Purdue in the semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Burns will find himself matched up against Zach Edey. Purdue's 7-foot-4, 300-pound senior dominated with 40 points and 16 rebounds on Sunday, propelling his team past Tennessee and into the Final Four.

Source Yahoo News : DJ Burns, NC State men's basketball still have questions to be answered at Final Four
Source Sportsnet : 'He's so skilled': Nuggets' Nikola Jokic shows love to NC State star DJ Burns
Source CBS Sports : NC State basketball star DJ Burns generating NFL interest as Wolfpack make Final Four run