Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks has seen a rocky start to his NFL career, as the 2022 first-round pick has had issues staying on the practice field this offseason.
At rookie minicamp, Burks was in and out of practice, and then he was absent for both of the open practices during mandatory minicamp.
It was revealed that Burks is dealing with asthma, but one has to wonder if poor conditioning may have played a role in his struggles, also. If so, it wouldn’t be the first time Burks has had a problem in that area.
Burks’ former coach at Arkansas, Sam Pittman, revealed to 3HL on 104.5 The Zone that the wideout struggled with poor conditioning in his sophomore year of college.
“I’m assuming he didn’t go in there in great shape. It’s the same way when he was a sophomore,” Pittman said. “He wasn’t in good shape, he couldn’t last practice and all. And it’s not that he just quit, he just couldn’t do it anymore. He just was out of shape. I don’t know what hunting hogs does for your cardiovascular but evidently not a whole lot.”
If conditioning is indeed at least part of Burks’ issue, it’s concerning to say the least that he wasn’t in better shape upon embarking on his NFL career, especially when you consider he has had this problem in the past.
However, it’s far too early to panic, and Burks will have ample opportunity to right the ship in training camp and the preseason.
Despite his early issues, Pittman believes Burks will be just fine once he gets his conditioning in order and gains some confidence. He also called Burks a “strong teammate” and a “great team leader” who has “great ball skills.”
Arkansas HC Sam Pittman addresses Treylon Burks’ difficulties in OTAs – and details what he’ll bring to the Titans this year. #Titans x @3HL1045 pic.twitter.com/oe3bR3o1a9
— 104-5 The Zone (@1045TheZone) July 20, 2022
Burks’ ability to stay on the practice field will be one of the biggest storylines in training camp.
If he continues to miss reps, Burks will no doubt be eased in once the season starts, limiting his snaps. But if can stay on the practice and show out the rest of the offseason, Burks figures to play a big role in the offense right away.
