Burnett, Dwyer, Morgan leave Tech — updated
Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan announced on Monday that they are leaving the Yellow Jackets after their junior seasons. In a room full of teammates, the three said they wanted to fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL.
Dwyer said he told his mother when he was 5 years old that he would one day play pro ball. Today, his father, Tony, said it still hasn’t sunk in.
Derrick Morgan is projected to go top-10 in the NFL Draft.
Morgan, the ACC’s defensive player of the year, had 12 1/2 sacks this season and is projected to be a top-10 pick in April’s NFL draft. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper rates Morgan, 6-4, 272-pounds, as the top defensive end in the junior class, saying he’s a “proven pass-rusher, stout versus run. Very productive.” Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc. rates Morgan as the fifth-best player overall.
He has already signed with an agency and is leaving for Arizona this afternoon to begin workouts in Arizona.
Dwyer is projected a first- or second-round selection.
Dwyer, the ACC’s player of the year two seasons ago, rushed for 1,395 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, after rushing for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008. He is projected to go as high as late in the first-round. Kiper rates Dwyer, who is 6-0, 235 pounds, as the fourth-best junior running back. Scouts rates Dwyer as the 30th-best player. He is leaving Wednesday to begin preparing for the draft at a clinic in Dallas. He hasn’t signed with an agent yet.
Burnett, a 6-1, 210-pound safety, has intercepted 14 passes and made 235 tackles in three seasons. Kiper rates him the second-best junior safety. Burnett isn’t in Scouts’ top 100. He hasn’t signed with an agent and hasn’t decided where he will begin his draft preparation.
Four players have now left Tech for the NFL.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, a redshirt junior, announced last week that he was also leaving school.
Despite the loss of talent, Nick Claytor, Roddy Jones and Brad Jefferson said they are ready to defend their ACC title.
“It’s time to not only a win a bowl game, but a BCS game,” Claytor said.
Jefferson, Burnett and Josh Nesbitt are best friends. As he looked around the room, Burnett said “It’s getting touching now. Seeing more and more of my teammates coming in. I call him my younger, big brother, Brad Jefferson. Seeing him be supportive. It shows the closeness of my class. It shows the closeness of the situation. Made family-like bonds. It’s going to be hard to leave people.”
Said Morgan: “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.”
During Thomas’ press conference on Friday, Tech coach Paul Johnson said: “I’ve sat down with all those guys and they have to make the best decision for them. I would love to see them all come back if that’s what they chose to do. There’s a lot of money out there. Whatever they decide, I’m going to support 100 percent.”
Johnson was at an NCAA convention in Orlando and wasn’t able to attend the press conference.
Burnett, Dwyer and Morgan dominated the snaps at their respective positions the past two seasons.
Anthony Allen, Preston Lyons, Richard Watson and Daniel Drummond would likely compete for the starting B-back spot.
Izaan Cross, Emmanuel Dieke, Robert Hall, Jason Peters and Anthony Egbuniwe are a few who would likely compete for the two starting defensive end spots. Much depends upon who is hired as defensive coordinator and what system they implement.
Cooper Taylor, Mario Edwards, Jemea Thomas and Dominique Reese are a few of the players who could compete at the safety position.
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276 comments Add your comment
Dooley's Cardiologist
January 11th, 2010
2:53 pm
Drummond is good, He’ll remind you of that kid from Stanford. That said, Tech will be fine. Even if Burnett and Morgan were to come back next year, we would still be have to rebuiold with the new DC.
DTC
January 11th, 2010
2:56 pm
You know – I find it odd, that for the most part, there are very few UGA commentors, negatively commenting on the GA Tech site. However, when I read UGA news, there are always Tech, flamingly anti-UGA comments, usually competing for the first ones to say something negative about UGA.
Let’s all get away from the “my school is better than your school” crap and just enjoy the fact that the state of Georgia has two pretty good football programs. I used to be a state of GA fan, rooting for both teams, but GA Tech has just about turned me against them with all of their arrogant “we are better than UGA rants”.
GTville
January 11th, 2010
2:56 pm
Thank you Morgan, Thomas, Dwyer and Burnett.
Good luck in the NFL. Put your money in the bank right away as it is a tough place to play and a tough place to stay.
Guess: Morgan to the Titans (12 years), Dwyer to Jax (7 years), BayBay to Oakland (3 years), and Burnett (8 years) to Baltimore.
Brad
January 11th, 2010
2:57 pm
hey spectator…remind me who was the #1 draft choice this year in the NFL?? Where did he go to school?
MalibuGT
January 11th, 2010
2:58 pm
congrats to Dwyer, Morgan, and Burnett! All helluva football players and should have success at the next level. Thanks to the classy UGA fans on the blog – we know there are some out there. As for the rest, we just have to endure it. We let you beat us, fair and square. Enjoy it until next November (I know I enjoyed last year!).
Good luck to Rennie. I had a chance to meet him a couple of times and he seemed like a great person and clearly an outstanding linebacker.
DILLIGAF
January 11th, 2010
2:58 pm
Good luck and good health to three great players as they move on to the NFL.
UGA85′
jawga boy
January 11th, 2010
2:58 pm
GTville….I think you are right! but you left off UT Graduates…State Penn…30 Years !
Supersize that order, mutt
January 11th, 2010
2:59 pm
John Malton, apparently you have never heard Dwyer in an interview. He is a very intelligent kid.
Dr. Kenneth, supposedly (and this, of course, might change) Bostik was recruited to play defense, and he understands that and accepts it, although he has been promised a chance to prove himself on offense. Moreover, he must be intelligent, because he is entering Tech this semester.
Dawgs 30-24
January 11th, 2010
2:59 pm
Yeah, BuzztheKiller – I’ll tell you what, GT single-handedly ruined our year, just as you say.
I just can’t remember if it was 30-24, 73-66, or your 5th consecutive bowl loss that ruined it for us but you guys are the masterminds, right!
On contrare mon frere, 30-24 made our year, even if we went 1-11!
Seriously?
January 11th, 2010
3:00 pm
Some of you have said “Well there goes the national title talk. . . ” Um, was there ever really national title talk? You will never have a good defense bc they go up against the Gimmick formerly known as the Triple Option all week in practice, and that same offense only scored 7 points in the last 2 bowl games.
Paul Johnson will be at Valdosta State in 2 years.
Calhoundawg
January 11th, 2010
3:01 pm
“KillTheBuzzer” — Rennie Curran has led the best conference in the nation in tackles for the last two seasons. What a moron.
MalibuGT
January 11th, 2010
3:01 pm
DTC….I don’t know what GT blogs you’re looking at but I assure there are plenty of UGA fans obsessed with GT who don’t take a back seat to anyone when it comes to trash talking. But I think anyone who lets these AJC bloggers represent the alumni from either school is making a mistake.
imakeitrain
January 11th, 2010
3:03 pm
The biggest piece Tech will miss next year is obviously overlooked. Who will fill the 5X jersey of Will “The Thrill” Minter
Supersize that order, mutt
January 11th, 2010
3:03 pm
Seriously7, do you really think that the defense goes up against the starting offense in practice every week? You obviously know nothing about football. The defense practices against the scout team offense, which is supposedly schooled each week on the opposing team’s offense. IF what you said were true, then nobody would ever be able to stop Tech’s offense, because they would never be able to practice against that offense. Opposing teams’ defenses practice against their scout teams too. DUHHH
Mann down
January 11th, 2010
3:04 pm
Has anyone heard the rumors that Stephen Mann is declaring early for the UFL draft? Any thruth to that one?
Bad News continues
January 11th, 2010
3:06 pm
No I think he has one more year but I have heard Scott Elder is dueceing out for that UFL….suppossedly a $150 Bennigans gift card was enough to sway him
rainman
January 11th, 2010
3:07 pm
Always look at the bright side — now CPJ can pick up 4 more recruits to add to this years group.
I also want to thank the four departing juniors & wish them well.
Defensive End is one of the deepest positions on the squad, and several of the players have ‘impact’ potential.
Cooper Taylor, and others, can probably neutralize the loss of Burnett.
Dyer will be missed. And I doubt he’ll miss so many dive plays in the pros. Tech still has a few quality running backs.
I hope in the third year of this offense the coaches are able to upgrade the passing game. Bey-Bey saved our bacon a few times, but a team should have more options than throwing a bomb every once in a while.
Nick Saban
January 11th, 2010
3:09 pm
I have decided to return to the Miami Dolphins.
The best way to disrespect somebody is to just walk away from them. But that is the show business part of what we have to deal with, and to me it’s wrong. It’s a bad example for young people to see and it’s not the kind of character and attitude that we want our players to represent this organization in, our owner, the Miami Dolphins … or the people on the team who all have to suffer because of that.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 11th, 2010
3:11 pm
Congrats to all of these young men I wouldn’t mind seeing one of them sign with the falcons . as for the going pro from tech comments CPJ may end up with a lot of his players in the nfl but lets wait until some of his tech recruits get drafted before we start that argument.
GO DAWGS !!!!!!!!!!!!
Hippocrites
January 11th, 2010
3:12 pm
Hilarious that Tech grads constantly make fun of UGA grads for not making enough money, then begrudge their own players for going to the NFL (where, by the way, they will make more than anyone posting on this blog).
Oh, and one more thing: 30-24.
superDawg
January 11th, 2010
3:13 pm
You know whats funny supersize you can dish it out but you can’t take it.Turn yourself around and admit it.If it were not for you fools these blogs would be fine.
Really?
January 11th, 2010
3:17 pm
BuzztheKiller – Rennie only had the most tackles the last two seasons in the SEC. Might want to do some research before you comment on here. Or you could just make stuff up because you are bitter! Idiot!
crackbaby
January 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
To Nos. 8, 91, 21 and 1 – Best of Luck to you young men. It’s been a pleasure watching you play on the Flats. You leave as ACC Champions and JD and DM were Player of the Year. Thanks to our former coach, Chan Gailey and his staff for recruiting such a special class. Morgan Burnett should be fine – Tech has really good DBs make the NFL. Dawan Landry had a huge day yesterday for the Ravens. (James Butler and Willie Clay are two others who come to mind).
For next year, JOSH NESBITT is the Man! It’s Anthony Allen’s turn at B-back. Dam% Good Jackets – all y’all!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
January 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
superDawg, can’t take what? And what do I “dish out”? What Seriously7 said was totally ignorant, so what’s wrong with calling him on it? Besides superDawg, I believe this is a Tech blog to begin with. What the hell are you doing on here? You have never seen, nor will you ever see, me on a UGAG blog.
Seriously
January 11th, 2010
3:27 pm
Yeah, I was only repeating a point made last week by David Pollack on 790. I’m sure that a former All-American and SEC Player of the Year has no idea what its like at football practice.
7 points against Iowa. Seriously?
Keep your headu up Little Brother, you guys had your fun in 2008. It’s time to let the big boys play football again. Congrats on your hoops win over Duke.
Supersize that order, mutt
January 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
Seriously, if David Pollack said something that stupid, then I guess he doesn’t know what it’s like at football practice. The only times 1st string defenses face 1st string offenses at practice is in scrimmages, NOT daily practices. And, yes, 7 points against Iowa sucked, but Iowa also had the best prepared defense Tech faced all year.
By the way, I see that Saban says that Kirby is staying in Tuscaloosa. Back to the drawing boards for y’all AGAIN, I guess. AWWWWW I hear Dave Wommack is available.
Ben
January 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
Thanks for the great memories fellas! You all had a hand in moving our team to the next level. Good luck at the next level!
East Cobb Hokie
January 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
Best wishes to the 3(4) guys. Can only hope they got accurate advice on their likely draft status.
Al Groh being at UVA was one of the best things to happen for VT. Recruiting was the main reason his on-field record fell. He ticked-off most of the HS coaches in Va and much of the media. He is 65 now. If you use him as an X and O type guy only, and keep him away from recruits and media, he might be able to help. But you should be skeptical about even that role.
just me
January 11th, 2010
3:39 pm
So when did college athletes become cattle that are REQUIRED to stay in school for four years? Why aren’t they allowed to earn a living for their families and come back later to finish their degrees (which they will have to pay for instead of furthering the free ride)? Good luck to them all. I hope they are successful and do come back for their degrees. After all, isn’t success and education the purpose of college anyway? Trust me, the schools have gotten more than their money’s worth from each player in TV and stadium revenue.
realistic dawg fan
January 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
As a dawg fan, I’m really glad to see Dwyer and Morgan go. This will not be easy to overcome. Just ask UGA post-Stafford & Moreno.
Sporty Black
January 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
It boils down to blocking and tackling, not the skilled positions. While these players will be surely missed, TECH will be 15-20 lbs heavier per linemen next year (offense and defense). Therefore, TECH should not get man-handled like that did in the three losses this year. Most of the linemen next year are CPJ recruits.
Skilled positions: Expect the starting b-back (probably Allen who is a CPJ xfer) to have at least 1500 yds rushing. Nesbitt will again be over 1000 and his back-up, Washington, is even smoother when he plays (sorry Jaybo). Starting A-backs, R. Jones and M. Wright who will get the ball more in space next season because LB’s can’t cover them (CPJ recruits). True sophmores S. Hill (WR), J. Thomas (DB) and Sweeney (ATH) will have breakout years (all CPJ recruits).
The winner of the TECH/VTech game will win ACC. Don’t be surprised to see the ACC champion in the BCS NC.
GT97
January 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Believe Me! If someone offered me $300K a year during my Junior year at TECH. I would have left and finished the degree on the side. Bill Gates left Harvard after his Sophomore Year. Don’t know if he ever got a degree.
Cosmo
January 11th, 2010
3:48 pm
Thanks for the memories guys. We really appreciate your getting the ball rolling around here and want to see you guys back supporting future teams. Congrats on your success and may it only continue to grow.
GOOOO JACKETS!
Reshad Jones
January 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
So Roddy Jones is staying? I better leave for the NFL. Now I can finally say his stiff arm knocked some sense into me.
JR12
January 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Anthoney Allen may be the best b-back we have now that dwyer is leaving and don’t forget Cooper Taylor is returning I think we will be alright. Plus the class thats coming in from what CPJ recruited seems to be decent.
Jim
January 11th, 2010
4:01 pm
They finally wisened up and said, “To hell with Georgia Tech”!
happy
January 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
Its great to see the Tech boys heading to the BIG leagues while the puppy dogs are heading to the BIG house
BuzztheKiller
January 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Hey Calhoundoggie- you obviously went to Gordon Central, any real yellow jacket could read enough to see that I asked John what DEGREE ole Rennie was getting from good ole UGA. That question was in response to his making a jab about Dwyer leaving without a degree. I never questioned his tackling ability. He is obviously a good college linebacker. Too small for the NFL which he is about to find out, but give him credit for trying.
To Really? : see above, you made the same idiotic response as Calhoun. Any other little dogs need a smackdown today??
mike
January 11th, 2010
4:18 pm
and if the NFL doesn’t work out for them…they can fall back on their degrees from Ga. Tech… Oh, I forgot football players don’t go to class and don’t get degrees at Tech. How silly of me.
BuzztheKiller
January 11th, 2010
4:20 pm
Hippo- I say power to anyone who can use their ability, talent, and skill to make potentially millions. And it doesn’t really matter where they went to college. Anyone on here who had the opportunity would do the same and if you say different you are either naive or lying.
BuzztheKiller
January 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
Mike And Tech players are different from every other D-1 school in this???? It is of course not true of all of them. Many from any school actually graduate. But the ones with a shot at the NFL, of course not.
#1 GT FAN
January 11th, 2010
4:33 pm
I could cry………. its sad to think that the orange bowl was the last game I would see all of them play.
.
oh well, you cant blame them for wanting to go and make money doing something they love to do!
And i dont know if its just cause us GT fans are not use to our players to go to the NFL early(heck, them going to the NFL at all) but this is really gonna test how good coach PJ and how good of a coach he really is………
But, I’m hoping for the best!
GO JACKETS!!!!!
Stinger
January 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
It just show where our program is now. These 4 will be top round draft choices and we will still be a power house. I hope Willie gets a big raise when Mark hires him back. Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha.
Techman
January 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
Ditto to the comment about surrounding yourselves with good people. Good people want nothing from you other than for you to succeed at whatever you do. We as Tech fans and Alums are proud to have had you guys as part of our Tech Athletic family. Good Luck and thanks again guys. Congratulations to all of you, you should be proud of the effort you have made.
GA Tech Insider
January 11th, 2010
4:43 pm
These four young men were the epitome of what it is to be a GA Tech Yellow Jacket and will be remembered as part of one of the best recruiting classes of all time. Here’s hoping these guys do well in the pros and come back to finish their degrees.
Starting today, you become businessmen, so one word of advice from an old man…be careful with your money as your pro career will only last so long. You were smart choosing to attend GA Tech; be just as smart with how you choose to invest your money, or whom you trust to advise you on your investments.
Congratulations to your families as well. This is a great time for all of you, and a time for celebration.
Guys, thanks for choosing to spend your collegiate years on the Flats; best of luck in the future, and don’t ever forget the good word(s).
GTI
It's Up with the White & Gold
January 11th, 2010
4:57 pm
JD, Bay Bay, Burnett, & Morgan thanks for giving it your all week in and week out on The Flats! Great to finally see some guys go with some major accomplishments! You all deserve this! Good luck at the combine and wherever the NFL takes you. I’ll still be your biggest fans even if your not in White and Gold anymore. Way to go!
superDawg
January 11th, 2010
4:57 pm
I call it like it is nerd.Your name says it all.
GT Anchorage
January 11th, 2010
4:59 pm
I really do think that Johnson will be able to get through these losses and still put together another great season. He did it every year at Southern and Navy, why can’t he do it here? This also opens up a few more scholarship opportunities for him to use for some offensive players. Adding Groh as the DC will do nothing but help GT next year. He has put together some of the best defenses in the ACC. Hopefully that goes through!
AdMan
January 11th, 2010
5:14 pm
Next seasons Georgia vs Ga. Tech score….Dawgs 42..Tech 14. And it might not even be that close.
Supersize that order, mutt
January 11th, 2010
5:28 pm
AdMan, you still have no QB and you can’t even tempt an alum to come back as DC with all that money you have to throw around. The Jackets own you in the cesspool. Next season, Tech wins by default because the mutts don’t even show up.