Amier Burdine-Reading

Amier Burdine celebrated his 17th birthday on Thursday, the eve of the high school football season. One of the greatest gifts that anyone can receive is health. After missing all of last year with a broken collarbone, the Reading dual-threat quarterback is healthy once again. “I missed it a lot because that senior class, I grew up with a lot of the kids so I wanted to be there with them,” he said. The Red Knights struggled without Burdine. They averaged just twelve points and 174 total yards per game (86 rushing ypg). Reading finished (1-7, 0-4) in the final season of Andre Doyle’s tenure. Former Red Knights’ standout linebacker Troy Godinet has taken over as head coach. “He brings energy all the time. He’s going to hold us accountable all the time,” said Burdine. Godinet was Reading’s defensive coordinator for the past four years. He piled up 105 tackles and eleven sacks while playing alongside James Bryant in 2003. The Red Knights were the District 3-4A runner-up to Cumberland Valley that season under Al Wolski. Godinet is thrilled to have Burdine back because of what he provides both on and off the field. The 6’1, 180-pound senior strives to be a role model to younger kids. Burdine replied, “I feel like I’m a good person in the classroom, and I take pride in being in my community.” Speaking of younger kids, Reading will have seven sophomores in the starting lineup for its opener at Central Dauphin East. “This is a big sophomore class. I can’t wait to come back and see how they progress through their junior and senior years,” he said. 21 of the 62 players on the Red Knights’ roster are sophomores. That class includes RB Alexis Alvarado, 350-pound NG Efrain Bonilla, 325-pound LT Keyshawn Efese, 240-pound RG Romello Fuentes, WR/S Kahlil Samuel, and the versatile Gabe Laws. The coaching staff has high hopes for Samuel (6’1, 175). Laws is a physical presence at linebacker who can squat 475 pounds. He’ll be utilized at fullback, H-back, and tight end. Burdine is very happy that Ruben Rodriguez decided to play football again this season. The two-time, first team all-state guard will be one of Burdine’s primary targets at receiver. They grew up together and have a very strong bond. Rodriguez and Burdine helped Reading win Berks County and District 3 titles on the basketball court last season. Burdine emphasized that playing for head coach Rick Perez has been very beneficial for him. “The culture Coach P has in basketball, I try to bring that to football all the time. That culture can build stuff on the football field. Hopefully we can keep progressing to have a culture like basketball,” he said. Burdine is one of a handful of two-way starters for the Red Knights in 2022. Seniors Karim Martinez (C/DE) and David Philistin (WR/CB), as well as 275-pound junior Brandon Picazo (LG/DT), will see a lot of action. Burdine, who can play safety or cornerback, told me that he now loves being on the defensive side. We also talked about the upcoming NFL season. Burdine’s favorite quarterback is Lamar Jackson, but he’s not a Ravens’ fan. He roots for the Saints. Many of his teammates cheer for the Eagles. Burdine acknowledged that he does like to watch Jalen Hurts. Burdine saw significant playing time at quarterback as a freshman. During his sophomore season, Reading played a 5-game schedule in the spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After being sidelined all of last year with an injury, Burdine can’t wait to be back under the Friday night lights.