Inside Ethan Burke’s journey from lacrosse superstar to breakout DE

For Texas Longhorns edge rusher Ethan Burke, the path to suiting up in burnt orange has been more improbable than most. With a short history in organized football, deep roots in lacrosse, and moves across the country, the 6’6 Austin Westlake product could have gone down numerous different routes. Instead, one phone call changed it all.

As a senior in English class in December 2021, Burke’s phone rang. He quickly excused himself from class and answered. At the time, few could have predicted that less than two years later, the conversation in the hallway outside his classroom would kick start a journey that currently sees Burke tied for the most sacks for the No.