laze ink former Ute Martail Burnett

Thursday May 12, 2011

5th former Ute on Current Roster

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce that OL/DL Martail Burnett (6-3,210, Utah) has been assigned to the team by the Arena Football League for the 2011 season.

Professionally, Burnett signed with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL in 2008 as an undrafted free agent and spent the season on the practice squad. He later signed a three-year futures contract with the San Francisco 49ers before suffering a knee injury. Burnett was most recently drafted by the Destroyers of the United Football League in the 2011 draft and plans to play there when he’s finished with the Blaze.

As a senior at the University of Utah, he was an all-conference candidate and arguably one of the best returning defensive ends. In 2006, Burnett earned honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference. He started in all 13 matchups and led the Utes in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (10). He finished his junior season racking up 42.0 total tackles, ranking second amongst Utah’s defensive lineman.

As a sophomore, Burnett played in all 12 games, starting in eight. He finished the season with 53.0 total tackles, ranking fifth on the team. He also notched 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. In his first year as a redshirt freshman, he played in nine games, primarily on special teams, where he blocked a kick in the Fiesta Bowl.

Burnett will add strength to the defensive line this week as the Blaze take on the Milwaukee Iron on Saturday, May 14th at 7 p.m. (MT).

The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011and boast one of the top offenses in the AFL. The Blaze return home to EnergySolutions Arena for two consecutive home games. Utah first takes on the Milwaukee Iron on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 with kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT). The following week, the San Jose SaberCats come to town in their second divisional match-up of the season. The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience.  Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.