Thomas Burke '20 Recruiting Profile

When the Navy transferred my father from San Diego to Washington D.C. I was in the 5^th grade.  My parents let me join the local youth tackle football program primarily as a way to make friends before the school year.  After the first shorts and t-shirts practice in July I said three words to my father when I sat down in his car “I love football!” and my love for the sport has grown every day since.  I really enjoy the other sports I’ve been fortunate enough to play on the Varsity level in High School, but nothing in my heart compares to football.  I love all facets of football, the running, the hitting etc. but ultimately where the other sports lack in my heart is the essential teamwork, brotherhood and toughness required by a successful football team.  Teammates on a football field share a special bond that the non-football athletes will never know or can even imagine. It’s that brotherhood that has enabled me to dig as deep as I can inside myself when I’m tired and hurting because there’s no way I’m going to let my brothers down and I know they feel the same way.  Physically, I have attributes that help my team,  I’m 6'4, fast, have good hands and I am a good blocker, but it’s my love for the game that sets me apart. I’m a part of something bigger than myself on a football team, that is a special privilege, and that is the ultimate motivation.

To continue to play football at the highest level my abilities and heart will allow is my dream.  Besides my size, I feel the biggest attribute I can bring to a college football program is my athletic versatility. The first time I didn’t play on both sides of the ball was my sophomore year when I was a starting Varsity wide receiver.  Besides starting at safety and wide receiver for the freshman team I also returned kicks and punts.  I’ve played every position in high school basketball except point guard and every position in high school lacrosse except goalie.  I am more than willing to play any position of the football field that helps my team win.  I’ve always maintained good grades, despite a three-season varsity schedule and I am looking to combine the best combination of academics and athletics possible that will enable me to move beyond my college years and teach me the life lessons necessary for success.  I am ready to leave the other sports behind and dedicate myself solely to academics and my first love, football.  I appreciate your consideration.