QB Austin Burton all-in for Purdue squad ravaged by opt-outs for Citrus Bowl
Austin Burton’s life is moving pretty fast. Forgive him if he stops to look around. He certainly doesn’t want to miss any of it.
The long-time Purdue backup finds himself at center stage as QB1 for the Citrus Bowl vs. LSU on January 2.
“He’s excited for the opportunity,” said interim head coach Brian Brohm. “He’s a sixth-year senior, been around a lot of football. Had two starts in his career, so far. He’s chomping at the bit to get out there and lead these guys.”
Burton is in this spot because No. 1 signal-caller Aidan O’Connell has opted out of the bowl along with other key offensive players in wideout Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham. The offense will be further compromised with starting guard Spencer Holstege transferring to UCLA.
“(Aidan’s) gonna be one of my best friends for life,” said Burton. “You know what I mean? So, we’ve talked and we stay in touch. We’ll stay in touch throughout the rest of our life. So, he’s obviously rooting for me and trying to give me words of encouragement and just really blessed he’s been a part of my life and vice versa.”
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Burton is undaunted by the circumstance around him. This is an opportunity he could only dream of since transferring to Purdue from UCLA prior to the 2020 season.
“It’s been three really special years, three of the most fun years I’ve ever had in my life,” said Burton, who will be backed up by Michael Alaimo in the bowl. “It’s just such a cool opportunity to play in the Citrus Bowl and play in the Big Ten championship. A lot of people don’t have the chance to do things like that. So, just really enjoying it and maximizing the moment that I’m in right now.”
While Burton has been in college for six years, his resume is brief. He started just one game at UCLA, back in 2019. At Purdue, he has one start, leading the Boilermakers past Florida Atlantic this season. Add it all up: Burton has thrown 103 passes in college, completing 71 percent for 608 yards with four touchdowns and an interception.
At Purdue, Burton has been used almost as much as a runner, carrying 26 times for 80 yards.
“He’s really a big locker room guy, like everybody loves him,” said Purdue redshirt junior wideout TJ Sheffield. “So I feel like he’s just been waiting on this opportunity and he’s gonna take advantage of it.”
Drew Brees knows all about waiting your turn and dealing with adversity, serving as a backup his first year with the Boilermakers and then having to fight for his job and through injury in the NFL. The Purdue legend has been with the team to help as an interim assistant coach, a role he continues with the squad in Orlando this week.
“I like his demeanor, I think he’s got some natural leadership qualities just watching his interactions with the other QBs and his teammates in the meeting,” said Brees. “He’s got good size, good strength. Seems to see it well, gets the ball out on time and was accurate as far as what I saw today. I’m anxious to work with him.”
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A win vs. LSU will be Purdue’s ninth of the season, giving the program back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since Joe Tiller’s first two years in 1997-98.
“There’s a lot of guys that are kind of are stepping up to the plate in this game, not just me, different receivers and everything, tight ends, all these guys,” said Burton. “A lot of guys are stepping up to that plate and trying to get this team going and get ready for this game. It’s a great opportunity for them to show what they can do too. So, definitely excited for it.”
