Furman: Versatile, experienced performer who heads into the preseason as one of the biggest keys to Furman's 2008 campaign...importance is due primarily to heavy losses sustained along the defensive front...has split playing time at both end and tackle during his career, which includes some starting experience...expected to start at right end after moving into the lineup for the last three games a year ago...very strong and quick. 2007 -- Saw action in all 11 games, including starts at defensive end in the final three games -- all wins...season also included work at tackle...finished the campaign with 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery...helped key an improved Paladin pass rush that paced the Southern Conference in sacks (29)...tallied a season high six tackles, including two for-loss and a sack, versus Hofstra...had five tackles and pair for-loss against Georgia Southern (24-22 win)...notched a sack against Elon (52-49 win)...fumble recovery came against Presbyterian (40-16 win)...recipient of Furman Hustle Award. 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...performance versus Nicholls State included two tackles for-loss.

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...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.