Caleb Burke overcomes injury in preparation of 2026 NFL draft

Like many others, Caleb Burke will wait in anticipation, hoping to receive a call from an NFL franchise on draft weekend, April 23-25, in his home state of Pennsylvania.

The Richland High School and University of New Hampshire product knows the odds may be long, but Burke has done everything he can to give himself a chance to continue his career as a professional football player.

"I am blessed by God to have the family and the support system I have around me," said Burke. "My support system — my mom, dad and younger sister — they are the biggest reasons I have the opportunity to do this. Having this opportunity is a gift. I couldn't be any more excited. This is certainly an opportunity not many get to experience."

Burke recently held his Pro Day at Dartmouth University. It was run by members of the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers franchises. Just being able to participate, let alone standout was an important step forward for Burke.

The 6-foot-1, 202-pound wide receiver tore his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on November 22, 2025, in a game against Maine. Burke worked hard during his four months of rehab in an effort to show what he is capable of for the scouts.

He did just that.

"Nobody thought I was going to be able to be ready for my Pro Day," Burke said. "Just the fact that I was able to do it was great. I had no nerves. I had anxiety because I was so excited to do it and to be able to run again. I was there to compete. I finished the whole workout and hopefully did what I needed to do to get myself to the next level."

In 43 career games at New Hampshire, Burke caught 152 passes for 2,043 yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2025, Burke led the Wildcats with 51 catches and 764 receiving yards. The year prior, Burke finished second on the team with 52 catches, 711 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Burke is hoping to take a similar path to the NFL as some of his former college teammates. Former New Hampshire quarterback Max Brosmer played in eight games last season for the Minnesota Vikings. Ex-Wildcats running back Dylan Laube is a core special teams player for the Las Vegas Raiders and safety Wande Owens is a member of the Buffalo Bills organization.

"I had guys around me who I got to watch and that led by example," Burke said. "I want to be that next guy that players at UNH can watch and look up to. I want to set that example for those guys. Those players and my coaches helped me get better every year."

New Hampshire was the perfect fit for Burke coming out of high school.

"Everybody wants to play for a Power 5 school," he said. "When I heard about UNH, you are talking about a program with success and breeds winning. We won a lot of football games, and I made three playoff appearances. I wouldn't have changed a thing about my college decision."

Burke believes he has what it takes to not only make an NFL roster, but also contribute for a franchise. For Burke, it all starts with where the former Richland Ram grew up.

"I am from Johnstown, a city that is old-school, blue-collar, coal miners and steel mills," Burke said. "People from Johnstown are different than people from a lot of areas. We are tougher. We are grittier. We work our tails off and we want it more. You can see the grit that comes from the people in the city of Johnstown. Nothing is handed out. We work hard for everything, and we have to earn it.

"I am an environment type of guy. I interact well with anyone and create chemistry with the people I am surrounded by on both sides of the football. I get along with anyone and can do it in any locker room."

Burke has been training in South Carolina ahead of the NFL draft. He is eager for what potentially lies ahead in his career.

"Everybody wants to be drafted, but it is hard to get drafted," Burke said. "An undrafted free agent opportunity would the best thing ever other than actually being drafted. There's also the potential I could play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) or United Football League (UFL) as well. I am just excited to have this shot."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.