Notebook: Burnett becomes leader for Tech’s defense

Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Dave Wommack’s expectations for safety Morgan Burnett are pretty simple — be a leader, be one of the best players on the defense and make plays.

Thus far, Burnett is measuring up, Wommack said Wednesday, after Tech’s 10th spring practice session.

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Johnny Crawford / jcrawford@ajc.com

Morgan Burnett catches a ball during safety drills at Wednesday’s practice.

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“This spring, you’ve got a year of experience with the new coaches under your belt, so you understand the things they want better,” said Burnett, named to five all-America teams last fall as sophomore.

After following the lead of seniors Darryl Richard and Michael Johnson last season, Burnett is starting to set his own example for the Jackets defense.

Said Wommack, “He’s done it more by example, but I’ve heard him say a couple things. He’s not going to holler at anybody or anything like that. He’s got a quiet calm and the players watch him and I told him that.”

Burnett, whose seven interceptions tied him for the most in the country, is one of Tech’s most hard-working players. He said that with the experience of playing for a year in Wommack’s system, he and his teammates are more comfortable and playing faster.

Other defensive players who are beginning to lead are safety Dominique Reese, defensive linemen Ben Anderson, Robert Hall and Jason Hill, according to Wommack.

Two more out with injuries

Defensive back Cooper Taylor and guard Cord Howard likely will not play again this spring, coach Paul Johnson said Wednesday. Taylor has a knee injury and Howard hurt his hand. Neither injury is serious, Johnson said.

Taylor’s injury will slow his learning the “Wolf” position, a hybrid safety/linebacker spot that he had been practicing this spring. With center Dan Voss and offensive tackle Nick Claytor already out with injuries, only two of the five offensive linemen who started Tech’s last four games in 2008 are practicing.

The Jackets barely have enough healthy players for two full offensive lines.

Omoregie Uzzi and walk-on Zach Krish took turns at Howard’s spot with the first team. Mario Edwards ran with the first team at the Wolf position.

Etc.

Tech completed Wednesday’s practice with two live-hitting sessions. Among the eye-catching plays were walk-on defensive back Alex Walker’s solid hit on A-back Roddy Jones and cornerback Rashaad Reid’s thumping tackle of quarterback Jaybo Shaw. … One of the more interesting drills of the day was one between cornerbacks and wide receivers, in which the receivers block the defensive backs away from a fumble. Two players who stood out were Reid and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.