Late last month, running back Isaiah Crowell “left” the Georgia football program. A week or so later, a player on the other side of the ball has left UGA as well, although under entirely different circumstances.
In a release, UGA announced that linebacker Brandon Burrows has decided to transfer from the Bulldogs. As is most times the case when it comes to Mark Richt, Burrows was given an unconditional release.
The decision seems to have come down to two factors: one, Burrows seeking an opportunity for more playing time and, two, more playing time in a 4-3 system.
When defensive coordinator Todd Grantham came to UGA following the 2009 season, he was impetus for the installation of a 3-4 that has transformed the Bulldogs into one of the top defenses in the country. Grantham was hired in mid-January of 2010; Burrows signed with the Bulldogs a little over two weeks later as a member of UGA’s 2010 recruiting class.
After two years of attempting to adapt, Burrows feels his skillset is conducive to being a 4-3 defensive end more so than a 3-4 linebacker.
“I came out of high school playing the defensive end position in a 4-3 defense which is what I truly love,” said Burrows in a statement. “The coaching change here led to a 3-4 defense. I have worked with that transition but decided that I want to get back to playing defensive end. I think another program may give me the best opportunity to succeed at that.
“I’m eternally gratefully for the opportunity Coach Richt has given me at UGA and for the fact that he gave me an unconditional release. I know I’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of coaches and players that will develop into the leaders and friends that I have known here in Athens.”
After redshirting as a true freshman, Burrows missed the 2011 season with a shoulder injury. As a three-star member of UGA’s ’10 class coming out of Marietta, Ga., Burrows was rated as the No. 28 strongside end by Rivals.com.
“Brandon is an outstanding person, student-athlete and has a wonderful family,” said Richt. “We’ve enjoyed having him as part of our program and will provide whatever assistance we can in his transition. I am completely understanding of his decision and wish him nothing but the best.”