Justin Burke, the new tight ends coach for the University of Kentucky football team, said on Apr. 14 that he is excited to return to his hometown of Lexington. Burke, who was a standout quarterback at Lexington Catholic and named Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky in 2005, said it was an easy decision to join head coach Will Stein’s staff.
Burke’s return holds personal significance as he grew up attending Kentucky games at what is now Kroger Field. “That’s what I love about coming back here,” Burke said. “I sat in those stands, watching these teams play. So, it’s special to be back in the Commonwealth, around my friends and family. I’m excited to get my family here and just be around the guys on this team.”
Currently living with his parents until his family arrives in Lexington, Burke described the experience as surreal and reminiscent of his high school days at Lexington Catholic. He reflected on watching former players like Tim Couch and Derek Abney while growing up and noted how meaningful it is now to be part of the program.
“It does hit different when you come back in a place that, as a child, as a teen and as a high school player, that you grew up with and watched,” Burke said.
Burke previously served as offensive coordinator at UT-San Antonio but emphasized there is nothing like coaching where he grew up. He expressed pride in working for what he called “a premier university.” Looking ahead to spring practices with Kentucky’s tight ends group, Burke praised their work ethic: “The amount of effort that was on (the tape) was just, no question… They go to work and when we need them to they bring an intensity level that I haven’t been around in a long time.”
