Erickson compares Vontaze Burfict to Ray Lewis, tells him to chill out

If he had a fanclub, we'd be the President...We have been creaming over Vontaze Burfict since signing day when we watched his high school film on rivals.com.  This dude is a complete, 100% badass mofo, and he very easily could go down as the greatest linebacker to ever play at ASU.   I know that is a bold statement, but for those who aren't familiar yet, Vontaze was a 5-Star signee from L.A., and he is wreaking havoc at middle linebacker as a true freshman.  Sound familiar? Like a certain future 1st ballot Hall of Famer Ray Lewis?  Well Coach Erickson certainly thinks so.  Below is the article in the AZ Republic:


     For one half last week, fans couldn't help but notice Vontaze Burfict. The Arizona State freshman linebacker was everywhere, blasting through the offensive line, chasing down ball carriers, disrupting Washington's offensive rhythm.

    In doing so, Burfict was flagged three times for personal fouls.
ASU coach Dennis Erickson said after Tuesday's practice that he had talked with Burfict about the penalties. But it was clear he wasn't too harsh. The last thing Erickson wants is to water down Burfict's passion.
     "He got carried away," Erickson said. "That's how he is, but he's got to control it. I love his intensity. I don't want to slow his intensity down because it's contagious for the rest of the players, for the fans and for everybody involved in the program. But he's got to be smart, and I know he will."
Part of it goes with the territory. Ray Lewis picked up a few personal fouls during his college days at Miami. Most great defensive players are like that, Erickson said. He just wants to halt the stupid penalties, such as late hits or actions that have nothing to do with the play.
     "He's going to play, man," Erickson said. "He's going to get a penalty occasionally. That's just how he is. But the dumb ones, you can't have."
     Erickson said Burfict has improved over the past month, mostly because he better understands the defense.
     "Sometimes he goes the wrong gap, and he still makes plays," Erickson said. "The biggest strides that he's made is just understanding what we're doing."