PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers fullback Michael Burton became the second Scarlet Knight to be selected in the 2015 NFL Draft when he was picked by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon. The Long Valley, N.J. native was the 168th overall selection.
Burton joins tight end Tyler Kroft as selections in the 2015 NFL Draft. Kroft was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round on Friday evening.
Burton will join the Lions, who were the hosts of the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. The Scarlet Knights defeated North Carolina 40-21 in the inaugural game last season, where Burton had a 10-yard reception and two-yard rush in his final collegiate game.
Michael Burton Draft Bio
A team captain, Burton played in 42 career games. He was a key member of a rushing attack that totaled 2,114 yards during the season, while also recording a reception in 11 different games. He helped the offense rush for 340 yards, most for RU since 2007, in the Quick Lane Bowl win over North Carolina and had one catch for 10 yards. He also converted a fake punt on a rush against the Tar Heels. Burton was one of two fullbacks to earn an invitation to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He earned the Paul Robeson Award and Offensive Swarm and Finish Award at the 2014 team banquet for his efforts. The Robeson Award is presented annually to that individual whose performance, leadership and dedication on and off the field during his career had the greatest impact on Rutgers football, while Swarm and Finish is given to the player who exemplifies the type of consistent effort and intensity in best representing the Rutgers' mantra to swarm and finish. In addition, he was a national nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the top walk-on in college football.
