ATHENS — There’s a special tone in Terrence Edwards’ voice when the conversation turns to Jermaine Burton.

Maybe even a hint of pride.

And why wouldn’t there be? Burton was one of the first players Edwards trained at his TEwrAcademy in Atlanta.

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That was back when Burton was in seventh grade, some four years before he moved to California for his junior and senior seasons at Calabasas High School.

“I can tell you his story,” said Edwards, who held a recent training session with Burton along with a pair of other incoming UGA receivers, Justin Robertson and Ladd McConkey.

“After the first few (training) sessions we had in the seventh grade, I told his mother ‘you’ve got something special on your hands,’  “ Edwards told DawgNation. “He’s got an opportunity to do something special.”

All-American special, Edwards intimated.

“He reminds me of Ja’Marr Chase, but a little more explosive and quicker,” Edwards said, comparing Burton to LSU’s Biletnikoff Award-winning receiver. “He has legit straight-line speed and short-shuttle quickness.”

Edwards — who played at UGA from 1999-2002 — said Burton has run a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.

For now, Burton’s exploits will be held behind closed door

The coronavirus outbreak has led to the University of Georgia shutting down and spring football practices being put on hold.

But Edwards said he plans to train Burton three times a week until the 2020 signee enrolls in summer school, scheduled for June.

“He’s super-focused right now,” Edwards said. “Physically, he’s ready to go. He’ll step on campus and he’ll have the opportunity to make plays early. Now, it’s just the mental part.”

George Pickens is the obvious go-to target for the next Georgia football team to take the field.

But after that, there will be plenty of competition between the returning receivers and talented newcomers.

“If (Burton) gets the playbook down early,” Edwards said, “he’ll be a guy that helps them win some games early next year.”

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