Texas Football: 4 biggest standouts Sarkisian praised in training camp

Ethan Burke, EDGE

One of the most pleasant surprises among the players Sark recognized for having a solid fall camp in his Aug. 21 press conference was sophomore edge rusher, Ethan Burke. Sark had a lot to say about the towering 6-foot-6 and 257-pound edge rusher in his fall camp wrap-up press conference.

Sark recognized Burke for his mechanics, work ethic, mindset, and grittiness.

"“He is a blue-collar guy. At the end of the day, the guy is a mechanic. He goes to work. He rolls his sleeves up. He doesn’t mind getting grimy. He’s always going to try to find an edge somewhere, and he’s got good wits about him.”"

He also noted his awareness in-game and development at a big high school football program, Austin Westlake.

"“He knows how to play the game. Obviously coming from a great program at Westlake, I think he was taught really well coming out of high school.”"

Burke solidified the starting job at the buck position opposite junior edge rusher Barryn Sorrell in fall camp. He was already on pace to secure the starting job at buck when he eclipsed sophomore edge rusher Justice Finkley for the first-team reps at the position during spring ball.

The fact that Burke showed his natural ability as a pass rusher and improvement as a run defender setting the edge locked him in as the Week 1 starter at buck.

We’ve heard throughout fall practice that Burke has looked solid, although not terrific. If Texas can get more consistency from the buck position and more productivity in the pass rush this season, that should be considered a success for Burke in his first year as a starter at EDGE.