Jamil Burroughs, a defensive tackle for McEachern, is the tallest and heaviest player on the Indians, standing 6’4” and weighing at a colossal 330 lbs.; the same measurements of NFL All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson. But size isn’t the only thing going for him; Burroughs is also a four-star recruit.
Late last August, he committed to the University of Georgia, and was at the time just the third nationally ranked prospect to pledge himself to the Dawgs. He has since been joined by fellow four-star defensive tackles Jalen Carter (Apopka- FL.), Warren Brinson (IMG Academy- FL.) and Nazir Stackhouse (Columbia- Decatur, GA.).
Despite the depth of the Dawgs’ incoming defensive line group, Burroughs hasn’t wavered from his alliance to UGA. The biggest part of his decision was the connections he’s built with the Dawgs.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Burroughs’s relationship runs all the way back to his middle school days. “When I was twelve, I went to [Alabama’s] camp,” Burroughs told Dawg Nation. “And the first person to talk to me, the first person to start recruiting me was Kirby Smart.” Smart was Alabama’s defensive coordinator from 2008-20015.
Smart’s defenses run primarily out of a 3-4 front, with an end, a nose tackle, and a three-technique tackle. Burroughs outweighs UGA’s next heaviest 2020 defensive lineman by 26 pounds. Barring an MMA-style weight cut he’ll be playing as a NT is Burroughs will likely as NT in that scheme, despite moving across the defensive line last season.
Burroughs had similar praise for Dell McGee, the lead recruiter in the area. “I can talk to [McGee] about anything,” he said again to Dawg Nation, “and that’s what I look forward to seeing in my relationship with my coach.”
But it’s not just the coaching staff Burroughs likes. Julian Rochester graduated high school in 2016 and is entering his final year playing at Georgia. Rochester wore the blue and gold of McEachern while Burroughs was still at Tapp Middle School. He’s a big, gap-eating lineman like Burroughs, and was described by Burroughs as a ‘big brother.’ Georgia junior WR Tyler Simmons also went to McEachern.
Burroughs made his varsity debut as a sophomore in the 2017 Corky Kell Classic. In that game against Mill Creek he was tied for the second most tackles on either team with nine. He carried that performance throughout the season, finishing with the third most tackles for loss among all Indians and led all sophomore in tackles. His junior year was equally successful, which was kicked off by a Corky Kell Classic game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. His performance in that game led to an early invite to the 2020 All-American Bowl.
Recruiting expert Rusty Mansell of 247Sports thinks very highly of Burroughs. “With Coach Franklin Stephens and from what I understand is a pretty rigorous offseason… I have full confidence in him,” said Mansell, “a lot of eyes on him, I expect him to have a big, big season.” Mansell went on to vouch for Burroughs’s work ethic, saying that he should be able to work through some unwanted weight added this offseason.
All-in-all, Burroughs is an extremely strong prospect who will definitely have a heavy impact this season. The McEachern defensive line is not as strong as it’s been as of late, so he will likely be moved all across like he has in the past. New HC Franklin Stephens has produced two All-State defensive linemen. Both of whom went on to play NCAA football, and one even has had a small stint in the NFL. Burroughs is working with one of the best football staffs in the state, and has already secured his spot on the Bulldogs, so expect a strong season from the senior.
Burroughs and the McEachern Indians play the Brookwood Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 5:45 p.m. in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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