Dawgs sign All-American Lineman

Even though he turned down the chance to enroll at Georgia early, Troup offensive lineman Chris Burnette cannot wait to get to Athens. Burnette signed today, and he will graduate this spring, possibly at the top of his class. He acknowledges that although it will be worth it, it has not been easy for the 6-foot-2. 290-pounder.

"It has been a little hard because I would like to get a head start in practice and on campus," said the All-American guard. "But I don't regret my decision, I have been able to spend time with my family and I feel being the valedictorian is a once in a lifetime experience. That being said, I can't wait to put on the red and black."

The LaGrange native committed to the Bulldogs over a year ago, and has not wavered since. He chose Georgia over Florida and Oklahoma, and Chris says his reasons have been reinforced over the last 12 months.

"Every time l have gone up there I have seen practice, I knew I made the right decision. Seeing the coaches instill such a strong sense of teamwork and family makes me glad to be affiliated with them. They may be lacking the trophies now, but they have the championship formula," says Burnette.

Burnette participated in the Army All-American Game in January, and his consistent performance in practice carried over into the game. He went up against some of the best defensive lineman in the country, and Burnette, the third rated guard by Rivals.com, feels the experience will help (hopes the success carries over to) him come next fall.

"Hopefully I got some needed experience and I feel that playing well against them has built momentum and also showed me what I need to improve upon. Now that I have signed my next hope it to help my team win games and then a championship," says the Bulldog signee.

The Troup standout is known for his quick feet and ability to lock on to his target and drive the defender to the next level. He is the highest rated offensive lineman in the state, and has a chance to compete for playing time in Athens next year. With over four months until his arrival in Athens, Burnette concedes he has a lot of work to do before he gets there.

"I need to improve everything, from recognizing defensive front coming up to line, becoming stronger in my pass and run blocking and improving my feet," says Burnette.

Now that he has signed, the four-star recruit is a full-fledged member of the Georgia Bulldogs. This day has been a long time coming for Burnette, and he could not be happier. He will be proud to wear the red and black, and is looking forward to his first time running on the field at Sanford Stadium.

"I have been looking forward to this since the first time I put on a uniform as a little kid. Just to be able to go to college is great in itself," Burnette said proudly. "But to have 94,000 screaming fans behind me, my family being able to see me play, and to be a part of a great program even better great tradition is to be truly blessed."