UofMGrizFan
Well-known member
Burke adds size to Grizzly receiving corps
MISSOULA, Mont. - Ryan Burke was a three sport stand-out athlete for Billings Central high, but there's no question that the next chapter in his life was going to be as a college football player.
The University of Montana is just glad that he chose to be a Grizzly.
"Well you know Ryan Burke is kind of a special young man," says Griz Head Coach Mick Delaney. "He's got good size, he's a 6'3" plus young man with better than average speed. You know he's just a good all-around athlete."
Burke converted to quarterback for his senior as a Ram. He thrived in the role throwing for 1,474 yards and 18 touchdowns with just 4 picks. The field general also lead his team to its fifth straight State A championship game. However, Burke says he's looking forward to catching the ball again.
"Yeah, of course I'm excited to play (at Montana) and I'm just kind of excited to get back to playing receiver," says Burke. "I'll go up there in the fall and see how it goes up there."
Burke's overall athleticism combined with the fact that the Griz lost several receivers to graduation opens the door for Burke to contribute right away as a freshman.
"With things changing I think in the whole scope of college football and freshman coming in... we expect them to come in and compete right off the bat," said Delaney.
Burke says he'll be ready right away for whatever his role might be: "They have some good receivers now of course with Gratton and Carver... they've got good senior leadership. So I'm just going to go in and play it by ear and see how I fit."
And even though Delaney was not the head coach that recruited Burke to the University of Montana, these two still have a tie that goes off of the football field.
"Yeah we're indirectly related," Delaney chuckled. "His mother and my kid's mother-in-law are sisters so that's an intangible. Just the fact that I've watched Ryan grow up and play athletics his whole career."
Out of the three very talented wide receivers in this year's incoming class (Burke, Walcott and Nacaratto), Burke is the only home grown kid right out of the treasure state.
