Unafraid to Dream Big, Dayshaun Burnett Lists Unnofficial Top 3

Imani Christian Academy linebacker Dayshaun Burnett established himself as one of the best prospects in the nation last season, climbing as high as No. 95 in the rankings for the Class of 2025. 

Following Imani’s 17-6 loss against Steel Valley on Friday, September 15, Burnett listed the top three schools that stand out to him right now amongst a flood of Power 5 offers.

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“Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, those would be my top three as of right now,” Burnett said, “I’m going to go see Michigan too.”

Burnett said he’s communicating with college coaches frequently, speaking casually in addition to talking football.

“It’s been really dynamic,” Burnett said. “They’re always reaching out to me, things of that nature, making sure I’m alright, seeing how I’m doing, telling me good luck and things like that.”

Lofty Goals

While Burnett emphasized the need to stay focused on the present, he isn’t afraid to dream big.

“It’s crazy, to be honest. I always thought as a kid, like ‘I’m going to go to the NFL,’” Burnett said. “I just have to stay grounded, stay humble, and keep working.”

There are quite a few hurdles for Burnett to climb between his junior year of high school and a chance to play in the pros, but his confidence remains high. He said when he received his first Division 1 offer, his lofty goal of playing professional football began to feel real.

“When I got an offer from Penn State. That was like ‘oh, okay, woah. I’m here. Keep doing what I do best,’” Burnett said. 

Becoming a Bruiser

As he continues to work towards his goals, Burnett said college coaches want him to enhance his physicality. He feels he has a good handle on the cerebral side of the game but wants to show he can lay the lumber too.

“My physicality, mainly on the defensive side of the ball. My reads are there, just go out and pop people.”

Burnett said he’s already starting to show the results of his efforts on tape. 

“You can see, I tried to display it tonight, trying to be more physical with running backs, linemen,” Burnett said. “A couple times, Number 55, their [Steel Valley’s] biggest lineman, he pulled. I gave him a little pop! He felt it a little bit. You can see it on film.”