Mississippi State Adds Consensus 4-Star to 2024 Class

Braylon "Stonka" Burnside did sign on Early National Signing Day but waited to announce today at the Under Armour All-American game. The Starkville native initially committed to MSU in June but backed off his commitment to the Bulldogs near the end of Zach Arnett's tenure. 

The Bulldog's odds at the consensus 4-star seemed bleak, but after announcing the hire of Jeff Lebby, Burnside was back on campus shortly for an official visit. Lebby has a proven track record of developing receivers and putting an exciting offense on the field.

Once Burnside announced his final two were both the in-state SEC schools, Bulldog fans instantly had flashbacks of former Starkville High standout AJ Brown. However, Burnside never officially visited Ole Miss; all those worries were just that.

The 6-0.5 185-pounder camped at Mississippi State this summer, and anyone could tell "Stonka" was a cut above. He showed advanced route running, hands, and an aggressive style not often seen from a receiver. He led his Starkville Yellow Jackets to the inaugural Mississippi 7a State Championship.

Burnside is the third consensus 4-star receiver in the Bulldog class and is another big recruiting win for MSU receiver coach Chad Bumphis. Burnside joins fellow Bulldog blue-chip receiver commits J.J. Harrell and Mario Craver.

This trio of receivers will likely be expected to produce in their first year under Jeff Lebby. With Lebby's high-flying offense, he needs difference-makers at receiver, and Bumphis is excelling at bringing in talented guys.

Another prospect to watch in the coming days is Meridian native Daniel Hill, who is set to make his decision at another All-American game on January 6th.