Former Lexington Catholic Star Joins Will Stein as UK Football Assistant Coach
Will Stein, the new head coach for Kentucky football, has made a significant decision by hiring Justin Burke as the offensive coordinator. Burke is a well-known figure in Kentucky, having gained fame as a star quarterback at Lexington Catholic High School.
Justin Burke Steps into Role
Burke, who previously played college football at N.C. State and Louisville, is set to join Stein’s coaching staff. This announcement was initially reported by TexasFootball.com and confirmed by the Lexington Herald-Leader. However, the hire is not yet finalized.
Background and Accomplishments
For the past six seasons, Burke has been part of the coaching staff at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). He began his tenure at UTSA as an offensive analyst in 2020, while Stein was also on the staff. Later, he became the offensive coordinator after Stein’s departure to Oregon.
During his time at UTSA, Burke coached both tight ends and quarterbacks. Under his leadership, the team ranked 23rd nationally in points per game, averaging 33.8, and 44th in yards per game, with a total of 413.6 yards per contest.
High School Highlight and College Career
Burke was a standout player in high school, recognized as the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year in 2005. He led Lexington Catholic to a Class 3A state championship, setting a state record with 62 touchdown passes in a season, alongside 3,789 passing yards and only six interceptions.
His college journey began at N.C. State, where he spent two years, including a redshirt year. He then transferred to Louisville, appearing in a total of 13 games over the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Recent Achievements at UTSA
- UTSA achieved a notable upset, defeating Tulane 48-26.
- The team accumulated 523 offensive yards in that game, with 391 yards coming via the air and five touchdown passes.
As Stein prepares to establish his coaching staff, having Burke on board aids in implementing their shared offensive system. Burke’s local roots may also be beneficial in attracting potential transfers, especially while Stein balances his obligations with Oregon’s playoff run.
Additionally, reports indicate that Stein is considering recruiting Pat Biondo, who served as the director of recruiting at Oregon, for a general manager position at Kentucky. Biondo previously worked on the support staff at Texas A&M.
Overall, Burke’s appointment marks a promising start for Will Stein’s vision for Kentucky football. As the coaching staff takes shape, fans eagerly anticipate how these changes will impact the upcoming season.
