Keiser football: Marques Burgess rumbling to success in Seahawks' backfield
WEST PALM BEACH — Keiser football continued its late-season roll on Saturday, defeating visiting St. Thomas University 38-15 on Senior Night in a result that wasn’t as close as the score suggests.
While some of the big playmakers from the contest are relatively new names in the wake of injuries, the story of Marques Burgess’ season continues to build toward an even more impressive ending.
After shattering his previous season-high of 770 yards in 2019, the star running back has nearly doubled that total in one less game played thus far in 2021 — all while averaging 6.6 yards per carry on the season.
On Saturday, the Fort Pierce Westwood graduate totaled 171 rushing yards on 30 carries, scoring three touchdowns in Keiser’s (7-2) win.
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“I just can’t say enough about the guy in terms of his preparation and his want-to,” Keiser head coach Doug Socha said. “The guy really puts his energy where his focus is. He does a great job of limiting distractions. Love him as a player . . . I want more guys to look at how he prepares.”
His stellar season coincides with a Seahawks offense that has dealt with its fair share of injuries and inconsistencies.
Significant questions at quarterback seemed to be nearing an answer until Shea Spencer entered concussion protocol. Shavon Taylor, who played a major role last year, is also out with an injury.
And while other players have stepped up in a sport that demands roster depth, Burgess has been an anchor — one with which the Keiser offense has not just stayed afloat, but flourished.
After Saturday’s homecoming win, the junior has now accumulated 1368 net yards to go along with 16 touchdowns.
“He gets stronger as the game goes on,” Socha said. “He wants the football. Every time I look at the stat-line, it’s 28 carries, 30 carries, 32 carries.”
The statement rings true. As a workhorse back, Burgess seems to break off more and more big runs as the game wears on, tearing down opposing defenses in the South Florida heat.
“It’s just the coaches trusting me to put the team on my back and lead them running the ball. And also, we’ve got some great receivers so we can spread the ball around. A big shout-out to my o-line because I couldn’t do any of this without them.”
While the back has stepped up in a big way on the field, he’s also developing into a leader off the field as well.
Burgess talked about the brotherhood in the locker room, and said he enjoys being a big brother to guys in the locker room.
“He’s a presence,” Socha said. “When he speaks, guys listen. I think it’s a process to develop leadership. He’s got a lot of attributes. I think he’s learning what his style is. When he speaks up, it speaks volumes, and guys will listen and guys will follow him because what he does really works.”
What's Next: Keiser will continue to look toward the junior to pound the rock in their season finale next week against Ave Maria University, and then onwards as the playoffs loom.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Keiser football: Marques Burgess rumbling to success in Seahawks' backfield
