Jager Burton, with newfound confidence, becoming a leader for UK football

"I feel like I finally have that confidence back where I know I can play. I know the coaches trust and believe in me."

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Jager Burton is a native Lexintonian, a former Mr. Kentucky Football and a Freshman All-SEC selection. He’s played in almost 40 games for Kentucky since joining from high school powerhouse Frederick Douglass four years ago.

Experience is something he’s never lacked.

But, since his first college season, confidence hasn’t been the easiest to come by.

“You already lose a lot of confidence coming from high school to college,” said Burton. “I started playing my redshirt freshman year. There are ups and downs of playing that young in the SEC.”

As Burton became a mainstay on the line, Kentucky struggled to win games. Back to back 7-6 finishes before a dismal 4-8 end to last season depleted not only the morale of the fanbase, but of the players too.

When Head Coach Mark Stoops spoke of reinvigorating a blue collar, player-led culture this past offseason, Burton was also reviving his self-belief.

“I’m older and it really does matter,” said Burton. “I feel like I finally have that confidence back where I know I can play. I know the coaches trust and believe in me.”

His family has been a key source of his new-found confidence.

“I had a couple long talks this offseason with my mom and my dad. Getting a point of view from someone else just flipped my whole mindset around,” said Burton. “It’s been huge.”

With a mended mentality, Burton can now lead the Cats in a pivotal spring laying the bricks for a bounce back season.

In 2024, Kentucky ranked 114th out of 133 teams in sacks allowed with 35. Improving the pass protection is a must.

To help that cause, second year offensive line coach Eric Wolford is deploying Burton in a crucial role to the team’s success; center.

“If there’s a time to (change positions) it’s spring,” said Burton, who has played guard for most of his time at UK. “We’ve been experimenting with a lot of different stuff. We have a lot of guys who can play different positions. A bunch of guys with a lot of game reps.”

Replacing a four-year starter in Eli Cox as the line’s leader is not as easy job. But, Burton has embraced that roll with the help of his position group’s favorite local deli.

“Pass protection is a lot about communication. Off the field communication is important and it translates to the practice field,” said Burton. “Every Friday we try to go to Dad’s Favorites here in town. Eat, talk and learn as much as we can about each other.”

That off the field bonding is a key aspect of how Stoops wants his players to use their time to build a brotherhood which in turn can build winning performances this fall.

“In the past, guys like me in the room haven’t done a good job with that,” said Burton. “This year it’s been a focal point. That stuff has been huge for us.”