ST. LOUIS — One of the top wide receiver prospects in the St. Louis area, St. Mary’s 2018 Tony Burks is a 6’2, 160 playmaker that can make big plays at any given time.

A standout basketball player at St. Mary’s, Burks is also a standout blocker that can spread the field for other players on the football field.

“What I bring to my team is a unique skill set,” Burks said. “I can get in and out of routes, I can run long routes even short routes. With me being a threat on the football field brings more attention to me. And that helps other teammates on my team get open.”

Burks had his best game of the season right out of the gate last year as a junior in game 1 against Westminster on the road. He finished the contest with 16 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown in a hard fought 49-47 loss.

He finished the season with big numbers, hauling in 56 passes for 1,074 yards and nine touchdowns and helped his squad go 7-4.

Burks says the Dragons have high expectations for the season this year.

“My high school team this year is looking pretty good considering that we lost three big seniors,” he said. “We brought up some players off of our JV team and we got a couple transfers.”

Burks says began playing football at age 9 in Seattle, Wash. and his first team was the Blazers. He says his family has been the biggest influence on his football career so far.

“My family has always been there for me supporting everything I do and will help me with anything I need help with,” he said.

A fan of Odell Beckham, Burks says the Giants wide receiver is an exciting player to watch.

Burks does not yet hold any offers, but has drawn interest from Mizzou, Iowa State, SEMO, Northwest Missouri, Indiana State, Southern Illinois, Illinois, South Dakota, Missouri Western State University, Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Lindenwood University.