Deion Burks: 247 | High School | Injury | Stats | NFL | High School

Deion Burks is one of the most intriguing young wide receivers in college football — a player with elite big-play ability, strong production at the collegiate level, and real potential for the NFL. His athletic journey from high school standout to major college programs encapsulates hard work, resilience, and talent that continues to draw attention from scouts and analysts alike. In this extensive guide, we dive deep into Burks’ biography, early years, recruiting status, on-field performance, injury challenges, college stats, and NFL prospects.

Early Life and Background

Born on January 8, 2003, Deion Burks hails from Inkster, Michigan. Growing up in a competitive football environment, he developed his skills on both sides of the ball, but it was his performance as a wide receiver that eventually set him apart. His parents — Daniel Burks and Dionne Bolden — provided the support that helped him thrive in athletics, though they have stayed largely out of the public spotlight. 

High School Career

Burks attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan, where he firmly established himself as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the state.

247Sports Recruiting and Rankings

According to college recruiting services like 247Sports and Rivals, Burks was a three-star recruit coming out of high school — a solid rating that reflected his potential and production. 

On-Field Production

During his junior season, Burks showcased elite playmaking ability:

• 35 receptions

• 819 receiving yards

• 12 touchdowns
  This impressive stat line was a key reason why Belleville achieved a perfect 9-0 record and earned a league title in the Kensington Lakes-East. His play earned him AP Division 1-2 All-Michigan honors, highlighting his status as one of the state’s premier receivers. 

Recruitment Commitment

After drawing interest from multiple programs, Burks committed to Purdue University on May 13, 2020, choosing to continue his development in the Big Ten. 

College Career

Burks’ college journey spans two major Power-Five programs — Purdue and the University of Oklahoma.

Purdue Boilermakers (2021–2023)

2021: Freshman Campaign

• Appeared in four games

• Redshirted to preserve eligibility

• Recorded 1 reception for 26 yards 

This limited action was a developmental year — helping Burks acclimate to the college game while retaining eligibility for future seasons.

2022: Breakout Steps

In his redshirt freshman season, Burks:

• Played in all 14 games

• Tallied 15 receptions for 149 yards

• Returned several kicks totaling 80 yards

He also logged a season-high performance against Syracuse, demonstrating flashes of playmaking ability. 

2023: Breakout Year

Burks’ 2023 campaign was a breakthrough performance:

• 47 receptions

• 629 receiving yards

• 7 touchdowns
  This was Purdue’s leading receiver output — showcasing his ability to make contested catches, gain yards after the catch, and score in key situations. The season included an explosive 84-yard touchdown catch against Fresno State.

His performance earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, elevating his profile nationally. 

Transfer to Oklahoma Sooners

Following his standout 2023 season, Burks entered the transfer portal and committed to the Oklahoma Sooners in December 2023. His decision was driven by a desire to increase his national exposure, compete in a new offensive system, and continue rising toward NFL Draft readiness. 

Injury History

As is common among high-impact position players, Burks has faced injury setbacks during his college career — most notably in the 2024 season.

2024 Injury Impact

During the 2024 season at Oklahoma, Burks:

• Missed eight games due to injury

• Returned to deliver 31 receptions, 245 yards, and 3 touchdowns

• Set a program record for most receptions in the first five games of a career at OU

Though the specifics of his injury were protected for privacy, reports indicate it involved a soft-tissue issue that limited his availability in several contests. 

Injury setbacks are part of the game, especially for skill-position athletes who rely on burst, route precision, and separation. Thanks to strong medical care and training support at OU, Burks has worked to return without diminished explosiveness.

College Career Stats (Summary)

Here’s a snapshot of Burks’ collegiate production:

Stats through the 2024 season. 

Play Style and Strengths

Deion Burks is known for:

Explosiveness

Burks combines quick release, smooth acceleration, and burst after the catch, enabling him to turn short completions into big plays. His 84-yard touchdown exemplifies this ability. 

Versatility

At Belleville and at Purdue, Burks also contributed on special teams, showcasing his versatility as a returner — a trait that adds value at the next level. 

Route Running and Catching Ability

While not the tallest receiver, his ability to find soft spots in coverage and secure contested catches has made him a reliable target in multiple offensive schemes. 

NFL Draft Outlook

As of 2025, Burks remains a prospective NFL Draft candidate, projected by many scouting services as a mid-round selection based on his college production and athletic traits. His ranking on draft boards reflects:

• Solid route running

• Reliable hands

• Playmaking potential

However, draft projections hinge on his full health, performance at the NFL Scouting Combine or Pro Day, and how scouts assess his ability to transition to the professional level.

NFL Draft Buzz and similar scouting services rate him favorably among receiver prospects who offer depth and upside. 

Comparisons and Professional Fit

Burks fits the mold of modern slot receivers who:

• Excel in quick-timed routes

• Provide YAC ability

• Operate in intermediate zones
  His size and build also allow for boundary snaps in certain packages, making him a flexible offensive weapon.

NFL teams seeking a receiver with immediate collegiate production and advanced route polish could find Burks to be a valuable mid-round pick, especially if he continues his upward trajectory in 2025 with Oklahoma.

Off the Field: Character and Academic Pursuits

Beyond football, Burks worked toward his degree while balancing the day-to-day demands of being a student-athlete. At Purdue, he majored in Selling and Sales Management, showing commitment to academics alongside his athletic responsibilities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where did Deion Burks play high school football?
Deion Burks attended Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan, where he became a top receiver and helped lead his team to an undefeated season. 

2. What college teams has Deion Burks played for?
He started his college career at Purdue University (2021-2023) and transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2024.

3. Has Deion Burks suffered any major injuries?
Burks missed several games in 2024 due to soft-tissue injury issues, but he has returned to contribute significantly when healthy. 

4. Is Deion Burks entering the NFL Draft?
As of 2025, Burks remains an NFL Draft prospect, with scouts evaluating his college production and athletic traits ahead of draft season. 

5. What are Deion Burks’ career stats?
Through 2024, Burks has recorded 94 career receptions for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns in college play. 

Conclusion

Deion Burks’ journey — from a high-school phenom in Michigan to a productive college wide receiver and NFL draft hopeful — is an inspiring and evolving story. With elite playmaking ability, real statistical production, and resilience through injury challenges, Burks continues to make noise in college football.