First Spring Football Practice In The Books

March 26, 2012

NEWS ON Julian Burnett:
The excitement and optimism surrounding Georgia Tech’s first practice of the spring was dampened by the news that senior linebacker Julian Burnett will almost certainly not play this season because of an undisclosed injury or medical condition.

While head coach Paul Johnson was not specific about the injury, he did talk to reporters about the setback.

“He’s probably not going to play,” Johnson said. “I’m sure it’s really tough on him. He loves football. He’s a heck of a competitor and a great football player, but there are bigger things in life than football. You have to be safe.”

Burnett, a Macon (Ga.) native, has been one of Tech’s top defensive players and a crowd favorite since his arrival. After playing as a true freshman on Tech’s 2009 team that won the ACC’s Coastal Division, Burnett transitioned into the 3-4 defense and led the Yellow Jackets in tackles in both 2010 and 2011.

In three seasons, Burnett accumulated 250 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles three times.

Burnett, a second team All-ACC selection in 2011, was a team captain last season.

ABOUT PRACTICE:
The Yellow Jackets practiced for two hours in shorts and helmets, the first of 15 spring practices. Tech will practice Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of this week.

“I thought the enthusiasm was pretty good, they bounced around pretty well,” Johnson said. It’s always fun to get back on the field. It seems like a long time since we’ve been out there.”

WALKOSKY DEBUT:
Special teams coordinator David Walkosky, the newest member of the Tech coaching staff, went through his first practice Monday. Here’s video of Walkoskytalking to the media after practice.

BACK AT FULL SPEED:
Sophomore safety Fred Holton and sophomore A-back B.J. Bostic, who both sat out the 2011 season with injuries, returned to practice at full speed on Monday.

PHOTO GALLERY:
Here’s a photo gallery from Monday’s practice through the lens of Dan Goldberger.