User:FranDoe16/Carter Burress

Carter William Burress (born January 7, 1986) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Montana, and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Burress became the starter for Tampa Bay in his rookie year and went on to break numerous franchise rookie passing records.

High school career
From 2001 to 2003, Burress played for Modesto Christian High School in Modesto, California. He was the starting varsity quarterback for three seasons, and during his senior year, led the Modesto Christian Crusaders to the small school state championship. They defeated Parker, a San Diego high school, 44-40. The Crusaders finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record. Burress finished the season with 27 passing touchdowns, 26 rushing touchdowns, and was named MaxPreps Small School State Player of the Year. He was ranked a two star recruit by ESPN, and committed to play wide quarterback for the UCLA Bruins.

UCLA
Burress redshirted his freshman year at UCLA. Following the 2004 season, he announced he would be transferring to the University of Montana.

Montana
Burress had a stellar career for the Montana Grizzlies. He led the team to a 22–6 record and a national championship game during his 3-year tenure as the starting quarterback. Over his career Burress accounted for 7,113 yards and 51 touchdowns. His best game came against Sacramento State in 2006, he completed 22-of-29 passes for 391 yards, six passing touchdowns, and also rushed for a touchdown. He was selected to the Big Sky All-Conference team his sophomore and junior year. He set numerous school records including highest completion percentage in a game 17-of-17 (100%). His junior year he was awarded the "Scholar-Athlete of The Year" award for the University of Montana and was also named a finalist for the Walter Peyton Award.

Pre-draft
Following his collegiate career, Burress was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. With a solid showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, Burress solidified himself as a strong quarterback in the 2008 NFL Draft. Burress finished second behind Joe Flacco in the long distance throw competition in ESPN's State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge with a 74-yard throw, beating out Matt Ryan, Colt Brennan, Chad Henne, and John David Booty, later winning the Taco Bell Quarterback Scramble with a time of 15.72 seconds.