If I were asked to make a prediction on Burnett’s future, I would feel confident in saying he is a future Power Four starting safety. He may be my favorite safety prospect in the state, as he is someone who can rob the offense of their hopes and dreams, as well as someone who can tackle very well in open field situations. He was a star this season and will be someone quarterbacks will try not to test when it comes to the 2026 season. Make sure you keep an eye on this Walton High School star, as he is one I believe will find his way to a huge college following the season.

A rangy, playmaking safety in Cobb County seeing his stock really take off, Burnett is a natural defender in the back end who understands coverages, closes quickly with the ball in the air, and plays the ball like a receiver. He brings good size at 6-foot-2 180-pounds and is fresh off a productive junior season for the Raiders where he made 45 tackles in just eight games with an eye-opening five INTs. He’s a natural in coverage who saw big offers come his way recently from Georgia and Ohio State. Like the others, Burnett will likely see a boost in the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings.

Burnett is electric and the exact player that you would want deep when it comes to tracking a ball. He has center fielder-like traits with the ball in the air. His downhill angles are great, as you can almost guarantee that if the receiver catches the ball, they won’t be moving forward. Phenomenal prospect in zone coverage, but his speed allows him to show flashes in man. Burnett isn’t the guy you want to test, as his football IQ for his age is great.

Walton’s defense was led by standout DB MJ Burnett MJ Burnett 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Walton | 2027 State GA , who turned in a game-changing performance. Burnett filled the stat sheet with 7 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 touchdown, proving himself as both a lockdown defender and a playmaker. His instincts in coverage consistently put him in position to create turnovers, and his ability to convert defense into offense swung momentum in Walton’s favor. Few players can dominate on that side of the ball like Burnett did, making him one of the top defensive performers of the week.

A big-time safety on the rise in Cobb County, Burnett is a rangy defensive back with quick feet, burst, and the ability to cover deep down the field. He reacts quickly and closes well on the receivers while showing toughness and physicality in the run game. He’s a versatile defender who can play all over the secondary and is coming off a strong 2024 sophomore season where he made 47 tackles and broke up seven passes in coverage. The Walton standout picked up recent offers from Virginia Tech and Georgia State.