John Burch

John Burch excelled as a multipurpose running back from 1985-88.He played a major role in UT Martin’s march to the 1988 Gulf South Conference championship and quarterfinal appearance in the ’88 NCAA Division II playoffs.

He became the first player in the Gulf South Conference history to have more than 2,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards in receiving. He was named to the 1980’s All-GSC Decade team as a second-team selection. He rushed for 197 yards in a 17-12 win over West Georgia.

Following completion of his college playing career, the St. Augustine, Fla., native was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1989. In 1991, he became the first Pacer to be a Skyhawk when he played for the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the World League of American football.