Jager Burton Embraces Hometown Hero Role

Jager Burton could have played college football anywhere. When the hats were on the table — Alabama, Clemson, Oregon, Ohio State and Kentucky — he picked the familiar blue and white.

“I’ve known for a little bit that’s where I wanted go, that’s what I wanted to be. To finally fulfill that hometown hero role, it’s a big step for me and really important,” Burton told KSR shortly after announcing his decision at KSBar and Grille.

The state’s top-ranked player, an All-American and Top 100 recruit, Burton was convinced the Big Blue Wall was the best place where he could grow and fulfill his potential.

“I wanna be great where ever I go. If I can be great staying at home, why not? Seeing guys like Darian Kinnard, (Logan) Stenberg, Drake Jackson and all those guys — and then John Young, who’s getting there — they really played a big part,” he said.

“I can do it here. Why anywhere else?”

Recruited by Vince Marrow, Burton gave the Big Dog credit for guiding him through the recruiting process without being pushy. Before announcing his decision publicly, Burton broke the news to Marrow and Mark Stoops.

“They started screaming. They were freaking out.”

They knew they got a good one. A talented athlete prepared to play with pride for his hometown, this commitment is one that will stick until signing day.

“I’m not going anywhere.”