Vontaze DeLeon Burfict, Jr. (born September 24, 1990) is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals. He attended Arizona State University. Burfict was considered the most highly ranked football prospect Arizona State ever signed to a letter of intent, but had an up-and-down career for the Sun Devils. An All-American in 2010, Burfict was projected an early first round pick for the 2012 NFL Draft. However, a mediocre junior season and poor pre-draft workout performances deteriorated his draft stock. Burfict eventually went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, but was later signed by the Bengals. He went on to have a productive rookie season, starting 14 games and leading the team in tackles.