Jimmy Burchett
Offensive Guard / Notre Dame College

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Jimmy Burchett:  Back in March, the Lions and the Colts measured me during the junior pro day.  My height is 6’3 ½ and weight is currently 305.  I want to get to 310 or 315.    

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Jimmy Burchett:  I was fortunate enough to have a bench press and a squat rack at my home.  We have a pretty steady workout with the other O-linemen on the team.  Lifting weights and running three days a week. 

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Jimmy Burchett:  I participated in track, wrestling and baseball.  I was pretty decent in wrestling.  I lost only four times during my junior year in wrestling.  I was also a left-handed pitcher and threw 88 mph.  My brother went to Ashland for college baseball. 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Jimmy Burchett:  I kind of bounced around.  During my freshman year, I played LT and NG on varsity at 260 pounds.  During my sophomore year, I played DE, RT and some TE at 180 pounds.  As a junior, I bulked up more.  I played RT, DT and DE.  I played the same as a senior.  I came in underweight to college as an O-lineman.  I was roughly about 270. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Jimmy Burchett:  Lots of D-II schools.  Ashland, Findlay, and Notre Dame College.  Edinboro was my first offer.  I got distracted talking to Marshall for a while.  They went with someone else.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Notre Dame College? 

Jimmy Burchett:  The visit to Notre Dame College was great.  It was a family atmosphere.  They cared more.  We weren’t just going to be football players.  My family was also only about an hour and a half away from the school. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?      

Jimmy Burchett:  They used my athleticism during my freshman year.  I was used in some packages as a blocking TE and FB.  I came in and started on punts.  I rotated as a RG.  I got playing time as true freshman.  I played in about eight games.  During my sophomore year, my roommate was our center Austin Treneff.  I owe a lot to that guy.  He helped me my sophomore year.  We earned a first conference championship for the school that year.  We went undefeated and lost to Valdosta State in the final four.  They went to win the national championship.  I started every game.  I was first team all-conference and first team all-region.  A couple of outlets named me as an All-American.  I was the only sophomore OL to be recognized for All-American honors that year.  During my junior year, guys would come to me for workout ideas.  We made it to the elite eight and lost to Slippery Rock.  At the end of the season, I earned the same awards that I had as a sophomore.  I have played RG throughout my career. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Jimmy Burchett:  My mental aspect of the game.  I am more prepared than the person I am going against.  I watch a lot of film on who I am playing.  During the game, I can be that vocal guy.  My ability to pull and hit people.  My athleticism and second level quickness.  I am pretty agile.  My shuttle time was a 4.28 during the winter training.  I am quick in going side to side.  I am a big fan of pass protection.  My former teammate DT Sha’haun Williams made me a better player.  He had 20 sacks during a season.  It is not a bad teammate to go up against in practice.  I had to overcome that guy and learn how to block him. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Jimmy Burchett:  My second and third steps during run blocking.  I am too forceful with my footwork.  Sometimes, I lose my eye vision of the LB at the second level.  I also need to improve on my right hand punches.  I try to hit the shoulder instead of the chest.  I am a natural left-hander. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Jimmy Burchett:  There are a couple of highlights.  The first one was winning the conference championship this past year.  Also winning the conference as a sophomore was one of my favorite memories.  People in our room thought that we could do anything.  We proved everyone wrong.  Making it to the final four during my sophomore year.  Against Valdosta State, our WR got the ball on a screen pass.  I came on the edge and cracked someone.  An ESPN reporter gave me a shout out during the game.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Jimmy Burchett:  Coach Jacobs left for Lenoir-Rhyne.  He was a fantastic coach.  He was the main reason that I went to the school.  Accountability is something he preached.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Jimmy Burchett:  I love the Browns. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Jimmy Burchett:  I loved watching Joe Thomas.  I tried using his stance in practice.  Quenton Nelson is my favorite player right now.                

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Jimmy Burchett:  MLB Nate Moore is an animal.  He is 6’3, 240 and a 4.5 guy.  He is good.  He will be a junior this year.  RB Jaleel McLaughlin went over 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.  LT Brandon Nicholson has nasty tape.  TE Zaire Mitchell is 6’7 and 260 pounds.  LB Guam Lee is a shorter guy, but he hits people so hard.  RT Mike Kyle has the size and athleticism.  Davionn Johnson is a pretty good safety. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Jimmy Burchett:  DL John Cominsky from Charleston.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Jimmy Burchett:  Discipline.  Learning to keep your head, hands and weight on every block.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Jimmy Burchett:  The camaraderie with the guys. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Jimmy Burchett:  I was a team captain during my junior.  I expect to be one my senior year as well.  Take action and lead by example.  Do the right thing and demonstrate to others what to do.    

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Notre Dame College this upcoming season? 

Jimmy Burchett:  Anything less than a National Championship will be a letdown.  We are a hungry team that still feels disrespected.  Our coach is gone.  People are saying that we won’t be the same.  We have a chip on our shoulder.  The entire O-line is returning.  We have the best D-II RB in Jaleel McLaughlin.  We have WR Conner Henry who is coming back from injury.  We have 9 or 10 guys back on offense.  We also have a good D-line.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Jimmy Burchett:  Truthfully, I am a hillbilly.  I like to shoot crossbows and go hunting.  I am a basketball guy.  I like to go hiking as well.      

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Jimmy Burchett:  I always had aspirations to help others.  I wanted to be a trainer for O-linemen.  Train the local guys.  Young guys that want to play football.  Help the underdogs.  I want to open up my own gym.  My father was a police officer before.  I might want to become a fireman.       

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Jimmy Burchett:  Outgoing, friendly, caring, determined, and protective.