Christian Heritage Academy’s Brenton Burris
By Elizabeth Contreras
When free safety Brenton Burris first stepped onto the field, he was still learning his position and building his skills. Now, as a senior entering his sixth season, he has become a dependable leader his team trusts and a defender who commands the field.
“I went from not knowing what coverage to use, to calling the right one based on the number of receivers,” he says.
His ability to lead not only comes from experience but from preparation and the standards he holds himself to. “I prepare by visualizing what I have to do on the field, whether that is making the interception, or an open field tackle,” Burris shares.
That dedicated focus aided in his growth from an unsure rookie to a reliable playmaker with an approach he shares with his teammates. The Crusaders take ownership of their results and show maturity in adversity, which Burris says is evident in their refusal to blame opponents or officials after a loss.
“We will never blame the other team or the referees for the outcome of any game,” he adds.
A culture of accountability has driven his progress as he’s played the game each year. “I am more confident in my ability to perform than when I first started,” he says. “Just joining has been the biggest risk. I didn’t know if I was even going to play, but I’m glad I did because now I’m a starter.”
For Burris, football demands just as much mentally as it does physically. True strength isn’t just physical stamina but the ability to keep performing when everything is against you. “Mental toughness is how one goes about doing something correctly after they have been pushed to their limit,” he says.
He remembers scoring on a late kickoff return that was called back. Though frustrated, he stayed focused and didn’t let it affect his play in the final minutes. Even when he’s exhausted or discouraged, mental toughness is about making smart decisions and executing the right moves instead of giving up or letting emotions take over.
Brenton Burris’s journey from hesitant rookie to commanding leader proves that lasting dedication and intentional preparation can completely transform a player.
