Starkville High had its spring jamboree on Saturday, but some high profile players watched from the sideline.
Quarterback Trey Petty and wide receiver Braylon “Stonka” Burnside spectated, encouraging their teammates and placing plenty of confidence and the next guys up after them, as the offense stayed prolific.
The reps were put to better use that way, and besides they’ve had a busy off-season already.
Petty recently committed to Illinois, a program that enjoyed success in its second season under head coach Bret Bielema. It’s also where former Jackets quarterback Luke Altmyer transferred after departing Ole Miss. Petty plans to join as an early signee in January 2024.
“I’ll be playing in the Big Ten, which is a great conference,” Petty said of joining Illinois. “The coaching staff around coach Bielema are great people who will push me to make me better, and that’s the kind of people I want to be around.”
A year ago Petty had already started receiving offers from big schools in the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten, but his goal then was to keep enjoying his time in high school before making a decision. Now with the decision out of the way, he’s looking forward to enjoying his senior season without recruitment weighing on him.
“I’m locked in now, and feel like I’ve gotten a lot off my shoulders,” he said. “Now I’m really just focused on this last year with my team.”
Burnside, who has not committed, has also garnered a lot of attention as a four-star prospect. He currently holds offers from several Power Five programs, notably Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oregon and Florida State.
The amount of offers has been a little overwhelming at times for Burnside, but his solution has been to stay true to himself and his game as he goes through the process and considers his options.
“It can be hard with a lot of coaches texting everyday, but I just do me,” Burnside said. “I just show everybody what I can do, show them my game, and I think that’s what makes me stick out.”
Burnside is focused on his senior season. He aims to break SHS receiving records held by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown, but he’s also valued working on his leadership with the younger players coming in after him.
Head coach Chris Jones has valued that leadership from both players, and he’s given them the space to consider their recruitment paths. His support for them is in making sure they’re prepared to decide for themselves.
“I’m not here to tell them where to go, but I am here for support and guidance,” Jones said. “I’ve helped kids get to the next level, and at the end of the day they have to make their own decision. I just want them to make a sound decision that’s best for them and their family.”
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