Two Georgia Tech Defenders Named To National Awards Watch Lists

Aug. 18, 2009

ATLANTA – Georgia Tech junior safety Morgan Burnett was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List and junior defensive end Derrick Morgan made the preseason list for the Rotary Lombardi Award.

Burnett is one of 62 preseason candidates for the Nagurski Award, which goes annually to the nation’s top defensive player. Morgan is one of 153 candidates for the Lombardi Award, which is presented to the nation’s best lineman, offense or defense.

Burnett was a second team All-American in 2008 after tying for the national lead in interceptions (seven) and leading the team in tackles. Burnett, a preseason All-ACC selection, was earlier named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.

Morgan is the only returning starter from a defensive line that graduated three players to the NFL. Morgan, a honorable mention All-ACC pick in 2008, had seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss last season.

Burnett is one of nine ACC players on the Nagurski Award Watch List. Morgan is one of 15 ACC players on the Lombardi Award Watch List.