Starkville native and Mississippi State football commit Braylon Burnside is determined to follow in the footsteps of his idol, former Starkville High star and current Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro wide receiver, AJ Brown. Burnside, a standout receiver known for his game-changing speed, has always admired Brown and sees him as the blueprint for his own success.
AJ is like a big brother to me. I’ve built that bond with him throughout my high school years now, Burnside said. He always tells me to trust the process and just be me. He told me don’t try to fit in with others, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 190 pounds, Burnside possesses a unique combination of size and speed that sets him apart. In his junior year at Starkville High, he recorded over 1,200 total yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility by also playing on defense as a safety.
Burnside’s impressive performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, as he is ranked No. 3 in the Clarion Ledger’s 2023 Dandy Dozen, a list of the top college football recruits in Mississippi for the class of 2024. He is also considered a four-star recruit and the No. 7 prospect in Mississippi, according to the 247Sports Composite. Nationally, he is recognized as the No. 15 receiver.
One of the highlights of Burnside’s season came in Week 9, when he played a pivotal role in Starkville’s 47-28 victory against Oxford. In that game, he caught five passes for an impressive 163 yards and contributed two touchdowns. This win marked the start of a seven-game winning streak that led Starkville High to secure their seventh MHSAA 6A state championship.
In June, Burnside committed to playing for Mississippi State, choosing the Bulldogs over rival Ole Miss, as well as other competitive programs such as Auburn, Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Illinois. His decision to stay close to home and represent his city is driven by his desire to leave a lasting impact and make Mississippi State known as wide receiver U.
Starkville High coach Chris Jones recognized Burnside’s potential from a young age, describing him as a college ready player when he joined the program as a freshman. Jones attributes Burnside’s remarkable growth and improvement to his unmatched work ethic and constant drive to become better. With Burnside’s determination and limitless potential, the sky is truly the limit for this talented receiver.
As Burnside prepares to take the field for Mississippi State, he remains dedicated to following in the footsteps of his idol AJ Brown. With his size, speed, and unwavering commitment to the game, Burnside aims to make a name for himself and become the next AJ Brown, leaving a lasting legacy at Mississippi State University and in the sport of football.
