JOL's Countdown to Kickoff: No. 35

Georgia Tech’s 2026 football season opener at The Flats is set for Sept. 3, when the Yellow Jackets host Colorado. In its “JOL’s Countdown to Kickoff” series, the program continues with No. 35, highlighting two historic Jackets: linebacker Keith Brooking and running back Joe Burns. Brooking, a key defender in the mid-1990s, started 34 straight games and owns a program record 467 career tackles. His 1995–1997 seasons included ACC-leading tackle totals, and in 1997 he was a team captain, a Butkus Award finalist, and Second-Team All-ACC. He later became a 12th-overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft and played 15 years in the NFL. Burns is also noted for ranking among Tech’s top career rushing leaders.