Prescott Burgess attended Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio where he was a three-sport athlete as a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game on the basketball team as a junior. Prescott was a safety on the football team, totaling 71 tackles as a sophomore. As a junior he finished with 81 tackles on his way to first team all-state honors. His senior season was cut short due to injury, but he finished with 33 tackles and was named first team all-state for the second consecutive season. He was named to the U.S. Army all-American bowl roster at the conclusion of the season. Prescott, then a 220 pound safety, accepted a scholarship to the University of Michigan after seriously considering attending Ohio State. He saw action in 12 games on special teams as a true freshman, finishing with 15 tackles on the season. As a sophomore, Burgess saw action in 11 games as a reserve linebacker, totaling 27 tackles and an interception on the year. As a junior, Prescott switched from inside linebacker to outside linebacker and had a breakout season with 81 tackles 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. He was named honorable mention all-Big Ten for his play as a junior. Burgess could've entered the 2006 NFL draft, but he opted to return to Michigan for his senior season.

Prescott Burgess is a versatile player who has started at both inside and outside linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines after playing safety in high school. He is a good character guy and a hard worker. He has a good combination of size and athleticism for a linebacker. He has the ability to make plays sideline to sideline and is a solid wrap-up tackler. He hits hard and excels at making plays in space. His athleticism allows him to effectively cover tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield. He has developed into a good pass rusher and he has good closing speed getting to the quarterback. Burgess isn't very instinctive and he takes too long to react at times. He needs to improve his technique and he could be stronger at the point of attack. Prescott Burgess is a versatile player who could play inside or outside at the next level. I feel he projects best as a strongside linebacker. He should be mid-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.