Inside linebacking corps takes yet another hit

Reserve Brandon Burrows will have shoulder surgery on Tuesday and miss the 2011 season, Georgia announced. The inside linebacker has what the team called "chronic shoulder instability" in his right shoulder.

Burrows, a redshirt freshman, saw time in the spring and was expected to provide depth this season behind starters Christian Robinson and Alec Ogletree. Richard Samuel was also supposed to play there before being shifted back to tailback a couple weeks ago.

Marcus Dowtin, the team's fourth-leading tackler last year, and Nick Williams each transferred after last season. So now junior Mike Gilliard is the only other player besides Robinson who has played college snaps at that position.

On top of that, Georgia is still waiting for recruit Kent Turene to get through the NCAA clearinghouse. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said last week he expected Turene to be fine.

Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson, two other freshmen recruits, could now be in line for immediate playing time. So will Turene once he makes it to campus.

Robinson said Wednesday that Jeremy Sulek, a walk-on, and "the young guys" would have to step up.

“Me and Mike G are the only two that have really taken reps (at inside linebacker),” Robinson said. “Alec’s gonna have a great season. He’s prepared and knows the defense at linebacker now. He knows how to play linebacker. I’m just excited to see him contribute.”