2024 State commit Xavier Gayten eager for weekend official visit
This past season, Brookhaven High School experienced one of the biggest turnarounds in the Magnolia State. And one reason why was the explosive play of 2024 Mississippi State commitment and On3 three-star prospect Xavier Gayten.
A year ago, Brookhaven managed just one win on the season. But in Gayten’s senior season, he helped lead Brookhaven to an 8-5 record and a second-round playoff berth in the Class 5A ranks.
“It felt real good,” said the 6-foot and 190-pound Gayten. “I wish we could have made it to state but things happen for a reason. Everything worked well for me on offense. I also did well in the return game and I had a couple of touchdowns on returns, too.”
Gayten ended the season with 2,042 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns and he also threw a touchdown pass. On special teams, Gayten returned six kickoffs for 308 yards and two touchdowns, as well.
“I thought I ran the ball with the same mindset as last year,” Gayten added. “I was just as physical as last year. I was just using my speed and playing hard.”
Gayten is rated as the nation’s No. 15 athlete and the state’s No. 15 prospect per On3 composite rankings. He committed to Mississippi State during the summer period but gave that commitment to former State head coach Zach Arnett. But regardless of the coaching change in Starkville, Gayten never gave his commitment a second thought.
“I was always planning on going to Mississippi State and nothing has changed,” Gayten remarked. “I heard of the Coach Arnett news on Twitter and it was disappointing. But I am still going there and I still have a great relationship with Coach Rod Gibson and the recruiting staff.”
Then last week, Gayten had his first conversation with new head coach Jeff Lebby, which only secured his commitment even more.
Top 10
- 1
Kaidon Salter
Transfer QB signs with Colorado
- 2Hot
Zach Arnett
UNLV hiring former MSU HC
- 3Trending
SEC and Netflix
2024 season getting docuseries
- 4
Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN star talks son to Michigan
- 5
Jake Dickert
Wazzu HC hired by Wake Forest
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
“Coach Lebby said he can’t wait to get me there and he is excited to meet me,” noted Gayten. “He is ready to meet me on my official visit so we can get to know each other. I like his energy and he has real high energy. I like what I was hearing and I think he will be a great coach.”
At the next level, Gayten’s role is still up in the air. He could be at running back or safety but either way, he doesn’t have a preference.
“I talked more with the safeties coach lately,” Gayten mentioned. “But I also talked to the running backs coach from the previous staff early on. But I am not sure where I will play. I will play on either side or I will play both sides if they let me.”
On the recruiting scene, Gayten continues to hear steadily from another SEC program. But as he noted above, he is confident in his Bulldog future.
“Ole Miss is still talking to me,” Gayten added. “But that is the only one beside Mississippi State. But I am locked in. It’s about the school and I’ve been knowing their program since the 9th grade. That place just feels like home to me.”
