Back in 2022, Jermaine Burton made the bold decision to transfer from the current National Championship winners Georgia for an SEC rival, Alabama Crimson Tide, in the hope of sparking his college career back into life.
Burton had shown flashes during his time with the Bulldogs but never became a productive weapon for Kirby Smart’s team with Stetson Bennett at quarterback.
Why Did Jermaine Burton Transfer to Alabama?
In the hope of starting his career with aspirations of the NFL, Burton entered the transfer portal and very quickly found himself a new home in Tuscaloosa.
Despite transferring, the 2022 season never took off for Burton as he had hoped.
But, in 2023, Burton has emerged as the go-to wide receiver for Alabama, finding himself at the top of the Alabama Depth Chart, having established a keen connection with quarterback Jalen Milroe. Burton is finally showing signs of his potential through the 2023 season which he failed to unlock during his time in Athens.
When Burton previously spoke to the media on his transfer to Alabama, he explained his decision-making as “trying to make the best decision I can for my family and me.”
“I can’t thank this program enough for the way they welcomed me and brought me in and treated me like one of their own.”
Having previously won a championship with Georgia, it took a brave decision for Burton to transfer to Alabama, the team that the Bulldogs defeated in the title game.
On joining up with the Alabama locker room, Burton said he “thought it was going to be some guys who still felt a kind of way about the game or some guys who had a kind of envy. But like I said, this team brought me in with unbelievable arms and welcomed me.”
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One of Burton’s reasons for joining Alabama was to reacquaint himself with an old friend, Bryce Young. Both hailing from California, Burton and Young knew each other’s game, having competed against each other in their final two seasons in high school.
With Young the starting quarterback, Burton had his best season to date but didn’t establish himself as a favored weapon for Young or the Tide. But that quarterback-wide receiver connection is finally starting to show with Milroe under center.
Speaking on Burton, Young said he has a “really good work ethic, super cool to work with. You can see how hard he is working to do what he came here to do and contribute”.
Jermaine Burton’s 2023 Season
Burton showed more in 2022 than he did during his time at Georgia. Hauling in more receptions, yards, and touchdowns than he had during his two seasons in Athens. But, it was clear Burton needed to step up in 2023.
During preseason, head coach Nick Saban said what Burton needed to improve “consistency in performance, which would come from trusting and believing in doing the little things right, and holding himself accountable to paying attention to detail.”
When questioned by reporters, Burton was clear on his goals for the 2023 season.
“At the end of the day, we still have one goal and that is to win. I’m not focused on the amount of yards, touches, or touchdowns. If I can do the minimum but get a national championship with this team, I will do that.”
Through seven games in the 2023 season, Burton already has 23 receptions, 508 yards, and five touchdowns, putting him on track for his most productive season yet.