4-Star WR Brandon Burton ​Compares Star​ QBs Ricky Town and Josh Rosen

Brandon Burton is still in the midst of his junior high school season, but the Southern California wide receiver already has experience competing alongside and against some of the country's premier players. Those opportunities helped him become a valued member of the 2016 recruiting class.

"I'm grateful to be in this position," Burton said. "I've been putting in the work, while others have been there to challenge me and force me to become better."

The 6'0", 180-pound playmaker previously encountered a pair of pressure-packed situations any pass-hungry receiver would cherish while competing in the competitive seven-on-seven scene. Burton served as a receiver for 5-star quarterbacks Josh Rosen and Ricky Town.

The celebrated prospects are considered top-tier talents in an impressive 2015 quarterback class and could drastically impact the future Pac-12 football landscape.

Credit: 247Sports

Rosen, a defending state champion at St. John Bosco High School, is committed to UCLA. Town, a former Alabama pledge who plays for St. Bonaventure High School, flipped to USC in January. 

Burton, rated ninth nationally among 2016 receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings, holds offers from each Los Angeles program and could potentially reunite with either player at the next level. He spent time with Rosen and Town during different phases of his seven-on-seven ventures and speaks highly of both blue-chippers.

“They’re great leaders and bring an extreme amount of talent to the field," Burton said. "You can't question their arm strength or ability to put the ball where it needs to be. They can both throw receivers open, which is pretty rare at this level."

Though he offered up praise for their physical tools, Burton believes sharp mentalities set the Elite 11 finalists apart.

"They step into a huddle and know exactly what they’re doing. That definitely makes an impact on everyone else," he said. "Once they get up to the line, both can identify whatever the defense is showing and make pre-snap adjustments."

Burton expects Town and Rosen to battle for conference titles in college.

“Right now the USC and UCLA rivalry is already really good, but it’s going to continue to grow because of the coaching staffs at both schools and the kind of players they're bringing in," he said. "I think the quarterbacks could take it to another level in the next few years with Josh Rosen and Ricky Town.”

Burton, who doubles as a defensive back, could become a part of the crosstown clash in coming years if he chooses to sign with either squad. His high school, Junipero Serra, is located in Los Angeles County and has served as a valuable Trojans recruiting pipeline.

Rising NFL receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee starred there before beginning sensational USC careers. Trojans freshman Adoree' Jackson, a 5-star 2014 signee, also hails from Junipero Serra. 

The three-way player has made an immediate impact. He has a touchdown reception and 21 tackles this season, adding a 100-yard kickoff return score last weekend against Utah. 

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Jackson, who was the top-ranked cornerback in 247Sports' 2014 composite rankings, made sure Burton brought his best to every practice as an underclassman.

“Adoree’ always had us ready to go," he said. "Who wouldn’t want to compete against the best? That’s exactly what he was—a top-five player in the nation who forced you to get better. I definitely give him some credit for helping me get to where I am now."

So does Burton see himself following the footsteps of past Junipero Serra greats to the Coliseum? 

”It’s a great pipeline and I’m proud to have the option of continuing it," he said. "But right now I’m open to going anywhere in the country. I’m excited about some of the offers I recently received.”

Stanford is one that really stands out. The Cardinal extended a scholarship offer in early October and Burton immediately reciprocated interest.

“It’s a great football program and a great education up there," Burton said. "Stanford offers the best of both worlds and that’s a big deal to me.”

He plans to visit Palo Alto for a game in the coming weeks to get a better feel for what Stanford brings to the table. Burton's other Pac-12 offers include Arizona State, Cal, Colorado and Utah.

Given his willingness to explore options beyond the West Coast, offers from Miami, Florida and Florida State also warrant attention. Burton would like to establish relationships with more SEC programs as things progress, specifically identifying Ole Miss, LSU, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Tennessee as potential fits.

Expect more doors to swing open before long. The next star Junipero Serra recruit has arrived.

“It’s great to be a part of that history," Burton said. "It was a big reason why I decided to attend this high school. It's produced top college prospects for a while and now you’re starting to see them make an impact in the NFL. I'm just trying to live up to what they've done."

Recruit quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise note.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.