Gaines Burnett Class: Junior Hometown: Kathleen, Georgia High School: Houston County Height / Weight: 6-1 / 246 Position: DE Experience: 2L

Furman: Versatile performer who made the move from defensive end to defensive tackle prior to the start of spring practice primarily to provide necessary practice depth along the interior line...switch was due, in part, to the absence of Justin Brown following offseason surgery...work in the spring impressed the coaching staff to the point that he will remain at tackle heading into fall drills...though slightly undersized for position, boasts impressive strength and quickness, which he uses effectively...possesses two seasons of quality experience, including action at both end and tackle, as well as special teams. 2006 -- Registered action in all 12 games as a backup defensive end and member of special teams...tallied 14 tackles, including season high four stops and tackle-for-loss in 42-7 triumph over Western Carolina. 2005 -- One of five true freshmen to earn playing time...worked at both defensive end and defensive tackle..saw action in all 14 games and totaled 23 tackles, including four tackles-for-loss, and a pass deflection...turned in strong performances in each of the Paladins' three playoff games, recording four tackles each against Nicholls State (14-12 win), Richmond (24-20 win), and Appalachian State (29-23 loss)...performance versus Nicholls State included two tackles-for-loss...also had four stops in a 34-21 victory over Wofford.

High School: 2005 graduate of Houston County (5A) High School...football coach was Doug Johnson...played linebacker, nose guard, defensive tackle, and defensive end during his career...registered a team leading 81 tackles in 2004 to pace Houston County to a quarterfinal round appearance in the state playoffs...recorded an interception in overtime to lead his squad to a 21-14 win over Tift County...team finished 7-5-1 to become only second team in school history advance to the quarterfinals...also competed in track, throwing the shot put and discus and running in relay events...attended the 2005 Presidential Inauguration as part of the National Young Leaders Conference.

Personal: Full name is Joseph Gaines Burnett...son of Joseph and Shirley Burnett...November 19, 1986, in Atlanta, Georgia...has a sister, Leah...father was an All-America defensive end at Florida A&M in 1970...political science major.