Former Tennessee Vols cornerback Warren Burrell spent the first five seasons of his college football career in Knoxville before transferring to Georgia Tech this offseason. 

Burrell, a former three-star recruit who signed with the Vols during the Jeremy Pruitt era, is expected to play a key role for the Yellow Jackets this fall.

"Warren Burrell, today, I think showed why I've been so excited about him all spring," said Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key earlier this spring. "Just the energy he brings on the field. The playmaking ability and tight coverage he can play when he's in the game." 

Before deciding to transfer to Georgia Tech, which is just 40 minutes south of Burrell's hometown of Suwanee, the former Vol was planning to transfer to Auburn. 

Burrell joined the The Real Talk Sports Podcast recently and he discussed his decision to transfer to Georgia Tech. 

"I was at Tennessee for five years, I was there for a while," said Burrell. "Graduated from there — there were two coaching staffs (while Burrell was at UT). I was recruited by Pruitt, that's why I went to Tennessee. And then we got Coach Heup, the Coach Heup era. 

"When I transferred, I wasn't even trying to make it a long, drawn out process. I was just kind of looking for what I was looking for. And, I mean, it's home (Georgia Tech). Honestly, Tech wasn't on the list of where I was planning to visit. I was gonna go to Auburn, but I was at home, during the process, and Tech, I know Coach (Bill) Stewart — he was my head coach (in high school)."

Click here to accept Marketing cookies and load this content

Burrell already had a couple of connections to the Yellow Jackets when he entered the portal last winter. 

As he mentioned, Georgia Tech defensive analyst Bill Stewart was Burrell's high school coach at North Gwinnett. 

Additionally, Yellow Jackets strength coach AJ Artis was on staff at Tennessee during Burrell's freshman year on Rocky Top. 

Georgia Tech quarterbacks coach/co-offensive coordinator Chris Weinke was at Tennessee during Burrell's first two seasons with the Vols. 

And Georgia Tech outside linebackers coach Kyle Pope is the brother of Vols wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope. 

Burrell was a solid player for the Vols during his time in Knoxville and now he gets to utilize his final season of eligibility while playing close to home. 

Tennessee Vols QB Nico Iamaleava showed elite leadership during a potentially awkward moment during spring game

Big moment from the young quarterback