Donovan Burnett is an opposing quarterback's nightmare.
A two-way starter for Penn Hills, team leader in sacks, and most recently named all-conference first team defense.
“His effort is unmatched,” says Penn Hills coach Charles Morris. “He's 1,000 miles an hour every play.”
But there's a part of Burnett's story he wasn't always comfortable telling, until now
“I understand what I have gone through,” Donovan says. “I can accept the deal of having to have autism. Even though it may be in my way sometimes, I’m going to get through it.”
Football has been a key piece of the process, with his growth evident to those around him.
“He's been way more vocal, whereas last year he was kind of just reserved and just trying to see where he fits in at and now,” Charles says. “I think he sees himself as a huge part of what we're trying to do.”
More importantly, it's a transformation Burnett sees within himself.
“I'm more outspoken and hype about what I do, instead of being shy and lonely about it, and not talking about it, and now I can,” he says. “Now I have a word to say to those around me and that matters a lot.”
The junior already has his sights set on college football, and even the NFL.
But for now, he and his ‘brothers’ – as he calls them – are working toward one big goal together.
Adds Donovan: “We have very talented and determined athletes that are willing to push through blood and bones just to make us get to the championship, win it, go to states and win it all.”