The Raiders addressed a major need with the 129th pick in the 4th round of the 2012 Draft when they took Miles Burris out of San Diego State.
Burris, a redshirt senior, was extremely durable in his four years playing at San Diego State as he was in 12 or 13 games each of 4 season.
He had more than 75 tackles in both his junior and senior season and those two seasons combined also yielded 17.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Burris earned acolades for more than his on-field achievements, too, being named a Mid West Conference all-academic honoree multiple times.
Burris will start his Raiders career at OLB, per head coach Dennis Allen, but has the versatility to be able to play both outside and inside.
Burris was kind enough to take some time and answer questions for TFDS. You can follow him on Twitter @MilesBurris
Questions:
Q: What is your home town/state?
Burris: Granite Bay, CA
Q: Did you root for a particular NFL team growing up? Who? Why?
Burris: Of the Bay Area teams I followed the raiders an went to quite a few games growing up, always loved watching them play. I also followed the Tennessee Titans because I was a big Steve McNair fan.
Q: Did you have an idol growing up? Who?
Burris: I’ve been a Christian since junior high so my biggest idol and example I try to live by is Jesus Christ. My father has had a huge influence on me as well in all aspects of life.
Q: What are your strengths as a player? What do you bring to the team?
Burris: I’d say my strength and explosion from a physical standpoint. I also bring versatility and a great work ethic.
Q: Did you meet with anyone from the Raiders coaching staff prior to being drafted or come to Alameda for a visit? Did you know they had
any interest in you?
Burris: I met with the coaching staff at the combine. They expressed interest and said the like the way I play the game.
Q: Prior to being drafted, did you know anyone currently on the squad or coaching staff? What did they tell you about the team?
Burris: Other than meeting the coaches at the combine, I did not know anyone affiliated with the team.
Q: What was your major at San Diego St? What do you like about that field?
Burris: My major was Business Management. I liked being able to learn about people and the different ways to manage and motivate different people with different personalities.
Q: What hobbies do you have away from football?
Burris: I like to work out, I play the guitar a little bit and love to watch movies.
Q: If you’re a gamer, what system and (if you don’t mind) what is your ID so Raider Nation can play against you?
Burris: I actually kind of fell out of playing video games, I’ll have to pick it back up next off season when I have more time on my hands.
Q: Which NFL player do you compare your skill set with?
Burris: I don’t really know, I just go out there and at my best game and compete with myself.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to Raider Nation?
Burris: I’m 100% committed to helping this team win.
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