Vontaze Burfict pushed to second team during Arizona State practice

Burfict never re-entered the game and the Arizona Republic speculates that it was because he refused to do so. That rumor was a hot topic for Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson, who is “stepping down” after the team’s bowl game against Boise State.

“There’s not truth to any of that,” Erickson told the media Saturday. “It’s amazing the rumors that are created in your business. We’ll see how he practices. If he practices hard, then he’ll play.”

The catch is that Erickson is having Burfict practice with the second team defense. Erickson said Burfict is making the trip with the team, but whether or not he plays will be a storyline to follow this bowl season.

Burfict entered the season as a top-rated draft prospect but has struggled throughout the season. He’s played tentative at times, perhaps due to the large number of personal foul penalties he’s received. Even with the lack of aggressive play, Burfict is still getting hit with personal fouls.

Either due to his dip in production or the personal fouls, NFL teams have to be taking note and won’t have Burfict as high on their draft boards.