Aug. 18, 2011
August 18, 2011
ATLANTA – Former Georgia Tech standout Sean Bedford, who went from a lightly-recruited walk-on to a two-time first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference center, will be the keynote speaker at the Yellow Jackets’ Can’t Wait `Til Kickoff Luncheon Aug. 26 at the Cobb Galleria.
The Luncheon (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) will also feature Tech head coach Paul Johnson, who will give his candid thoughts on the 2011 season, athletic director Dan Radakovich, several current Yellow Jacket players, the Tech band, cheerleaders, dance team and Buzz the mascot. Wes Durham, the Voice of the Yellow Jackets, will emcee the program.
Fans can purchase tickets ($40 per person) here.
Bedford came to Georgia Tech from his hometown of Gainesville, Fla., choosing to walk-on then-head coach Chan Gailey’s team as a defensive lineman. When Johnson came on board as the head coach, Bedford caught his eye in spring practice. He suggested to Bedford that he leave the defensive line for the offensive line. One year later, Bedford was Tech’s starting center on a team that played in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
By the time Bedford graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering last year, he had earned first team All-ACC honors two times. He was a finalist for the prestigious Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award and he captured the inaugural Burlsworth Trophy, which goes to the best former walk-on in college football.
In addition to excelling on the field and in the classroom, Bedford was extremely active in the Atlanta community doing volunteer work.
“Sean Bedford is the type of student-athlete our fans can relate to and appreciate,” athletic director Dan Radakovich said. “His work ethic on the football field and in the classroom was unparalleled.”
During Bedford’s senior season of 2010, Sporting News named him one of the “25 smartest people in sports”.
“I’m honored that Georgia Tech would invite me back as part of the Kickoff Luncheon,” Bedford said. “I’m excited to see my former teammates and coaches.”
Bedford played professional football in Spain earlier this year. He is currently enrolled in law school at the University of Florida.
