6ft 9in, 275 lbs March Madness hero could make sensational move to different sport after impressing execs with one ‘A+’ skill during Cinderella run

DJ Burns is a name on everyone’s lips right now.

The 6-foot-9, 275-pound college basketball hero was at the heart of No. 11 seed NC State’s Cinderella run to the Final Four of this year’s NCAA tournament.

Burns scored 29 points to lead North Carolina State to an upset victory over Duke in the Elite Eight as the Wolfpack advanced to the national semifinals for the first time since 1983.

The fifth-year big man became an overnight sensation, gaining legions of new fans with his cheerful nature and throwback style of play.

Burns attracted the attention of fans and NFL scouts, with the latter considering him a football prospect due to his combination of size and agility.

Peter Schrager of Fox Sports reported that several NFL executives were considering Burns as a potential NFL offensive tackle.

In particular, Burns’ footwork, which has been described as “A+”, has NFL scouts wondering if he would be better suited to professional football than basketball.

Schrager tweeted: “Talked and texted several scouts/GMs about NC State big man DJ Burns as an NFL OT prospect in the last 24 hours.

“He’s 6’9, but he’s probably 6’7.

“A+ footwork.

“He would get a strong turnout and potentially $ if he participated in a Pro Day/practice the week after Final 4.”

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Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy echoed Schrager’s sentiments, saying he thought Burns would be more comfortable on a football field.

“Anyone else have a hard time watching NC State big man DJ Burns and not think of him kick-sliding in pro pass or throwing jumpers? That can’t be not be just me,” he wrote on X.

Burns played football before basketball, but told Rich Eisen that he hasn’t played the sport since he was a defensive end and tight end in college, and that his No. 1 goal is to play in NBA.

It’s unclear if Burns has any interest in playing football, but he certainly has the size and agility to play on the offensive line.

However, given that most linemen weigh 300 pounds, he should add some bulk to his current 275-pound frame.

Burns wouldn’t be the first person to switch from basketball to football if he decided to take a chance on the NFL.

Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham were college hoops stars before entering the NFL and thriving, while Julius Peppers played football and basketball at North Carolina before pursuing full-time professional football.

However, for now, Burns’ only goal is to win the national championship at this year’s Big Dance.

The Wolfpack’s Cinderella run to March Madness saw them win nine straight playoff games in the ACC and NCAA tournaments.

Before that, Burns attended York Prep Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina and was a four-star recruit and the No. 3 prospect in South Carolina behind current NBA players Zion Williamson and Aaron Nesmith in 2018.

Burns spent his first three seasons with the Winthrop Eagles before joining the Wolfpack in 2022-23 and was named South Region MVP.

Burns has averaged 18.2 points and five rebounds so far in March Madness and has 14 assists.

He will now face compatriot Zach Edey in a tantalizing Final Four clash between NC State and No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.