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Senior safety Julian Burns shines as Neville (La.) aims for state title

hunterby: Hunter Shelton4 hours agoHunterShelton_
Julian Burns
Julian Burns

The state of Louisiana is always impressively-loaded with talent every recruiting cycle and the 2026 class is no different. There’s a heap of well-established standouts, but others have come out of the woodwork this fall, too.

For Neville, senior safety Julian Burns has bolstered his stock in a big way thanks to another impressive season.

As the Tigers push for a state championship, Burns took to social media earlier this week to display his stats for the regular season. He tallied 83 total tackles, broke up 10 passes, forced five fumbles and had an interception.

This fall follows an 81-tackle junior campaign, too. The numbers speak volumes as Burns, a North Carolina commit, competes with top talent down in The Boot.

Neville enters the LHSAA Division I Non-Select Playoffs with a 7-3 record. After a 2-2 start, it put the pedal to the metal and shined in a big way down the stretch. The Tigers closed the regular season with a massive 31-14 win over No. 5 Alexandria. They own four wins over top-15 teams in the state and currently check in at No. 7, per the Massey Ratings.

The Tigers have a bye into the second round of the playoffs and will take on the winner of Friday night’s first-round game between Thibodaux and Mandeville on Nov. 21. Neville is a favorite to reach the state title game after falling in the semifinals last season.

Burns is the No. 786 overall prospect and No. 78 safety in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 24 recruit in Louisiana.

The 6-foot-2, 187-pounder committed to Bill Belichick and North Carolina on June 13, not long after taking an official visit to Chapel Hill. He’s one of a whopping 10 defensive backs pledged to UNC with National Signing Day less than three weeks out. The Tar Heels currently have 36 total commits and a class that ranks No. 16 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

How to Follow Louisiana High School Football

For Louisiana high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around The Boot, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals National High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals National High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.