Charles Burks is in his first season as an assistant coach at A&M-Commerce, overseeing the Lions secondary. Earning a reputation as one of the bright, young defensive back coaches in the country, Burks has tutored three All-Conference players and an All-American in the past two seasons.

Burks comes to Commerce from West Texas A&M where he spent one season as the Buffs' assistant defensive backs coach. He helped lead the Buffs to the NCAA national semifinal in 2012 as West Texas ranked first in the Lone Star Conference in passing defense efficiency while helping mentor Torian Oakley to All-LSC honors.

Prior to his time in Canyon, Burks spent one season as the defensive backs coach at East Central, his alma mater. The Tigers led the Great American Conference in passing efficiency defense in 2011 as he helped coach a pair of All-Americans in Dontea Smith and Norris Wrenn, the first pair of first team All-American defensive backs in 27 years at East Central. Wrenn was also named a preseason All-American in 2012.

Burks also completed a internship with the Detroit Lions during the summer of 2012, working closely with current Rams Defensive Coordinator Tim Walton and Defensive Backs coach Marcus Robertson while assisting in organized team meetings and practice sessions.

Burks was a three-year letterwinner at cornerback at East Central, helping lead the Tigers to the Lone Star Conference North Division championship. A native of Grand Prairie, Burks earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2010, followed by his master's of sports administration in 2011.