Mississippi State signee Michael Van Buren named Under Armour AA Game MVP
Wednesday was a big day for the future of Mississippi State football and it was showcased on the national stage.
The Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando, Fla., saw some big plays from future Bulldogs and a big-time commitment live on ESPN as MSU had a trio of players competing for Team Ice in its 39-9 blowout win.
Michael Van Buren stole the show in the game as he earned MVP honors after the Bulldog quarterback was 10-of-15 for 136 yards and a touchdown while also throwing a 2 point conversion and even catching another one.
The Baltimore, Md., native started the game driving the team 65 yards down the field in just six plays and he ended it by throwing a 16-yard dart of a touchdown to Alabama wide receiver commitment Ryan Williams. Van Buren also had the 2 pt conversion on that drive.
On the next possession, future Bulldog Mario Craver was able to show off his playmaking ability with a catch and run of 51 yards for a touchdown. Van Buren got the 2-point conversion as Williams returned the favor on a wide receiver pass.
Van Buren added three carries for 15 yards in the game while Craver had two catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
The St Francis Academy QB Van Buren was a former Oregon commitment before opening up his recruitment and picking State after Lebby was hired. Craver helped his Clay Chalkville team to a state championship win before officially visiting Starkville with Van Buren and the two committed after the visit.
Bulldog fans also had their eyes on Braylon Burnside as the Starkville four star wide receiver was set to make his announcement in the game between MSU and Ole Miss. The former State commitment decommitted from the Bulldogs in the middle of the season with the uncertainty surrounding head coach Zach Arnett, but new coach Jeff Lebby and retained wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis would get him back in the fold.
Burnside put the hat on for the Bulldogs at halftime and would finish the game with two catches for eight yards. The four-star wide receiver had over 1,000 yards receiving this year for the second-straight season and helped Starkville High to another state title appearance.
