Dynamic SEC pass catcher heads into the 2024 college football season as one player opposing defenses fear most

When you think of the word “terrifying”, most people think of appearance. Said player must be an imposing player on the field, possessing the physique and presence that makes the opposition worried before the game even starts. In some other cases, their actual game is what terrifies opposing coordinators the most.

That’s exactly the case with Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden , who is one of the most dynamic playmakers coming back to college for the 2024 season and comes in at No. 9 on this list. A former five-star recruit coming out of East St. Louis, Burden chose to stay at home with the Tigers. You saw the flashes of what makes Burden so special almost immediately.

The passing offense struggled overall in 2022, seeing Burden haul in just 45 receptions for 375 yards and six touchdowns. Despite that inability to create explosive plays through the air, Burden still managed to lead all true freshmen nationally with nine total touchdowns. Some of his biggest flashes came as a punt returner, averaging 12.6 yards per return and scoring a touchdown in that capacity during that initial season.

Related: Georgia defender could be top overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft next April, breakdown included

The 2023 season was a completely different story. Burden had a massive breakout as a pass catcher, hauling in 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine scores through the air. You saw Burden’s full capabilities as a passing game weapon. Whether it’s after the catch, or as a deep threat, the 5-11, 208-pound athlete is a threat to score at any time.

After an 11-win season in 2024, Missouri now has the target firmly on their back. Burden is their top player returning, and arguably the best wide receiver in college football. If the Tigers have any chance in replicating success from last season, it’ll be because Burden makes a ton of plays offensively. Defenses will be sweating preparing for the dynamic athlete.

If you missed any of the most terrifying players revealed already, it has been broken down from 20-16 , 15-11 , and a dominant SEC defensive end kicking off the top ten . The list continues on Monday.