Burns, a Decatur, Ala., native, was a  two-year starter at third base for the UNA baseball team from 1989-90. As a junior he was selected All-Gulf South Conference, first-team All-South Central Region and third-team All-American. He was also first-team All-Region as a senior and was twice selected GSC Player of the Week. He set numerous UNA records, including most home runs in a season with 17 in 1989. That season he hit .337, scored 59 runs, had 63 hits, 17 home runs, and 69 RBI. 

He helped lead UNA to a 44-11 record in 1989 that included a Gulf South Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional. UNA went 37-11 his senior season.  For his career he played in 103 games, going 110-for-327 at the plate (.336) with 95 runs scored, 111 runs batted in, 30 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 31 attempts.  He went on to play in the Houston Astros organization for three years (1991-93), then earned his Master's in Physical Education degree from UNA.