Texas EDGE Ethan Burke 'Definitely' Turning Heads In Camp

Despite recording just six tackles a season ago, edge rusher Ethan Burke is in position to potentially win a starting job on the Texas Longhorns' defensive line.

The headliners on the Texas Longhorns defensive line are certainly Byron Murphy, Barryn Sorrell and T'Vondre Sweat.

An under-the-radar piece that could step in and play the Buck position is Ethan Burke, who impressed during spring ball and earned first-team reps as his battle with Justice Finkley will be sorted out in fall camp. Burke's play style has captured the attention of his teammates as well.

"He's definitely been the guy that's been right there with me," Sorrell said. "He knows how it feels to be counted out as well, and I feel like we share that. So just honestly getting after it, and we both know we need to rush the passer. So, just critiquing him and him asking me a lot of questions about last year and me being able to share my knowledge with him has been very beneficial for both of us."

The Austin native saw plenty of action on special teams last year, but was limited in his production on the defensive side of the ball, recording six tackles, 1.5 for loss and getting a hit on the quarterback.

Burke, J'Mond Tapp, Kristopher Ross and Vernon Broughton are among the Longhorns defenders fighting for increased snap counts in 2023.

"We've got plenty of depth," said Murphy, who also named Burke as a camp standout. "We've just got to keep working. Just continue to get better each and every day, but I feel like everybody can play. We all can play. I don't see a drop off."

Despite his freakish 6-6, 257-pound stature, it might be easy to overlook Burke as a starter, judging based on his role on the Forty Acres a season ago.

However, Sorrell has no doubts that Burke can step in and be a valuable contributor next season.

"In Ethan's situation, he's very aware that people always want to look at the next person," Sorrell said. "They're like maybe look in the portal, try and recruit over somebody, but I feel like Ethan has everything he needs. He definitely has what it takes."

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You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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