Count Mecole Hardman among those who were puzzled by Jermaine Burton’s move from Georgia to Alabama.
The current Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver posted on his Instagram story about Burton’s move, questioning why a player would go from a championship winner to the team that lost in said championship game.
“How you go the team we just beat,” Hardman asked in the caption. “And leave a team you won the natty with?”
Hardman played for Georgia from 2016 through 2018 before being taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Hardman scored a touchdown in Kansas City’s win over Buffalo on Sunday.
Burton responded to Hardman’s quote, making it clear why he moved from Georgia to Alabama.
Burton caught 26 passes for 497 yards and five touchdowns last season. But he didn’t lead the Georgia team in any receiving category, as Brock Bowers led the team in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Alabama has had four wide receivers taken in the first round of the past two drafts and will likely add to that tally in this coming draft with Jameson Williams. Alabama has also had multiple 1,000-yard receivers in each of the past three seasons. Georgia has just one 1,000-yard receiver in program history.
The Crimson Tide brings back quarterback Bryce Young who won the Heisman Trophy last season. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett will return for the Bulldogs after throwing for 29 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions.
Georgia and Alabama met twice last season, with Alabama winning 41-24 the first time and Georgia coming away with a 33-18 victory in the rematch. In the two games, Burton combined for five receptions and 64 yards.
Related: What Georgia football needs out of its 2022 wide receiver room after departure of Jermaine Burton
Not all share Hardman’s viewpoint in Burton changing programs, as Chris Milton shared his support of Burton making his move. Milton is the father of Georgia running back Kendall Milton.
Georgia and Alabama are not scheduled to play each other in the regular season next year, but the two will be favored to meet up in the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs open the 2022 season against Oregon on Sept. 3.
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- National media weighs in on Jermaine Burton transfer from Georgia to Alabama: ‘Interesting’
- Former Georgia defensive back Latavious Brini announces transfer to SEC program
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- WATCH: Terrence Edwards shares thoughts on Jermaine Burton, Arik Gilbert and Georgia wide receivers coach opening
- Of course there’s no quit in Stetson Bennett, zero controversy surrounding return to Georgia
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