QB Burke leaves N.C. State for Louisville

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

August 25, 2008

Quarterback Justin Burke has decided to leave N.C. State and transfer to Louisville in hopes of earning playing time for next season.

Burke, a 6-foot-3 220-pound redshirt sophomore out of Lexington Catholic High, only saw action in eight snaps over three games last season, completing 2 of 3 passes for 15 yards and an interception during that span.

"With the situation here, I felt I needed to do something that was important to me," Burke said. "I had a great experience at N. C. State, and it was a special place for me over the last 2-1/2 years. The entire coaching staff and the support staff have been great to me. I want to thank them and my teammates. I wish them all the best."

Burke will have to sit this year out due to transfer rules but will be eligible for the 2009 season with still two years to play for the Cardinals.

At N.C. State, Burke was one of the five quarterbacks competing for the lead role but unfortunately, he did not make the cut. Wolfpack head coach Tom O'Brien offered him and fellow contender Harrison Beck, who was also eliminated from the QB-1 race, assistance just in case both decided to transfer. Apparently, unlike Beck, Burke took O'Brien's offer.

"He's a great player and was a great guy in our program," O'Brien said of Burke. "I think it's in his best interest to move on. We're happy for him, and he gets a new start somewhere else."

Burke was a high profile recruit by N.C. State after a spectacular performance back in high school. As LexCath's signal caller, he threw for 3,789 yards and 62 touchdowns as a senior then went on to rank ninth in state history with 8,770 career yards while matching the third-place record in terms of TD passes with 120.

Beck on the other hand, has decided to stay at N.C. State. According to O'Brien, the junior quarterback may finish the season, and is planning to go to a NAIA school (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) next season after graduating.

[edit]