Amari Burney redeems himself vs. UGA while playing through injury
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida linebacker Amari Burney was featured multiple times in the Gators’ loss to the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. After giving up a first-half touchdown, he redeemed himself with two turnovers in the third quarter that sparked UF’s rally.
Burney had a chance to cause a third turnover Saturday, but his deflected pass was tipped and corralled by Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. He took that catch 73 yards to the house to give the Bulldogs an early 21-0 lead.
However, Florida regrouped at halftime and began to come back in the third quarter, and Burney had everything to do with it.
On Georgia’s first offensive play of the second half, he stripped the ball from running back Kenny McIntosh. The UF offense scored a field goal on the ensuing drive to make it a two-score game.
Burney then intercepted Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett IV on the next series, which set up Anthony Richardson’s sixth career touchdown of 70-plus yards to cut the deficit to 28-20.
Napier on the play of Amari Burney
All the while, the Saint Petersburg native and fifth-year senior has been playing through an injury, according to UF head coach Billy Napier.
“Amari is one of the best players that we have, big picture-wise, relative to his attitude, his energy every day, the consistency in which he shows up and works,” Napier told Gators Online and others. “He’s playing injured to some degree, too. He’s managing an injury.
“So, this is a guy that has the respect of his peers. He’s a smart player. He’s a really good communicator, and he’s really a versatile player. He’s been very productive for us. Nothing but respect for Amari in his overall approach.”
Burney finished with seven total tackles, a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries on top of his forced fumble and INT. He now has 51 total tackles on the season along with 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, including the game-clinching pick against Utah.
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