The Chesapeake Panthers 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior wide receiver and defensive back signed a letter of intent with the Herd Wednesday on the first day of the signing period.

Thursday, February 03, 2000

The Chesapeake Panthers 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior wide receiver and defensive back signed a letter of intent with the Herd Wednesday on the first day of the signing period.

The Southeast District Div. V offensive player of the year, Isaacs helped the Panthers to a 10-0 regular season and postseason playoff appearance. Chesapeake finished 11-1, the most wins in school history.

Isaacs finished the regular season with 31 receptions for 544 yards and 14 touchdowns.

But he did more than just catch passes.

He returned 10 punts for 316 yards and two scores, had 40 conversion kids and three field goals, and as a defensive back intercepted four passes.

His defense may have been overlooked because of his offensive prowess, but not by the Herd.

"Marshall coaches talked to me about playing wide receiver, but they wanted me to think about playing strong safety," said Isaacs.

Regardless of which side of the ball he plays, Isaacs has the speed to excel.

Last spring, Isaacs won the state 200 meter dash and was fourth in the 100 despite a poor start out of the blocks. He also won the long jump.

His fastest track time in the 100 meter dash is 10.74 acutrack.

There is a possibility Isaacs will run track at Marshall along with football.

"I might if I don’t hurt myself academically. It takes a lot of time. But I like football best," said Isaacs.

Besides Marshall, Isaacs talked with Purdue, Akron, and Ohio. But he admitted that Marshall has always been at the top of his list.

"I’m just excited about getting the chance to play at Marshall. They’re a good football team. They’re the team of the ’90s, and they’ve sent players like (Chad) Pennington and (Randy) Moss to the NFL," said Isaacs.

"I’ve always leaned toward Marshall. I like being close to home and being able to come home and watch football games on Friday nights."

Isaacs said Marshall plans to redshirt him the first year as it does with most freshmen.

"They said not many people come in and play," said Isaacs.

His father, Miles Burnette, was impressed with the school’s academics.

"It’s one of the top academic schools in the country. (Head coach) Bob Pruett really pushed academics. They just want you to get an education," said Burnette.

Isaacs knows in order to play, he has to get bigger and stronger.

"I’m going to hit the weight room and try to get faster and stronger," said Isaacs.

Panthers head coach Phil Davis said Isaacs has all the tools to make it at the Division I level.

"We’ve had a lot of good athletes, but not anyone with his skill level. You combine his times and distances with his attitude and desire, and that’s impressive. You don’t always get that. It’s a nice combination," said Davis.