Loyal Eagle: WR Paul Burris

PORT ST. LUCIE – Paul Burris has experienced the ups and downs of high school football over the past three seasons at Centennial.

The 2025 wide receiver has emerged as one of the Treasure Coast’s best at his position through it all. It is evidenced by his level of dependability and reliability in more ways than one, which can be seen on game film.

For his junior season, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound wideout posted the following statistics:

•22 receptions 

•245 receiving yards

•2 touchdowns 

Best individual game – Week 10 against Lake Brantley in a 36-14 loss with 87 receiving yards and 1 touchdown

Centennial finished the 2023 season with a 1-9 record under Jacob Turay, who was in his first season as the program’s head coach. Nevertheless, Burris saw good things that came from the experience.

“It was certain players that would buy in and certain players that wouldn’t buy it,” Burris said. “So that was the main problem with our record last year. But we definitely built a stronger relationship with the team, whether it was me, Brooks [Williams], Eddie [Keyes]. We all built a strong relationship toward each other. We’re like brothers now.”

Burris has been on the roster for two playoff teams at Centennial. 

It happened when he was a sophomore in 2022, as Centennial reached the Class 4S regional quarterfinal round and finished with a 6-5 record. And a freshman, the now-Eagles leader was on the 2021 team that reached the Class 8A regional quarterfinal round and finished with a 5-6 record.

Through it all, Burris stayed the course and used those moments as growth opportunities.

“Me personally, I don’t believe in transferring,” Burris said. “I feel like being loyal with my teammates and just fighting it out no matter what, even if we go 1-9 or 9-1. Just fighting it out and building real relationships with the players and the coaches.”

Burris spoke on his relationship with Turay, who is entering his second season as the Centennial head coach and has been with the program since the 2022 season.

“He’s a great guy,” Burris said. “He progresses. He teaches all the players and coaches. The entire coaching staff has learned from Coach T. Great guy.”

Burris has no offers at this time. But he plans to

use each week of his senior season as a chance to improve his stock for college coaches to see, which should help with his recruiting process over time.

It all starts with Week 1 against Wellington on the road. This game will kick off tomorrow (Aug. 22) at 6:30 p.m. in Wellington.

“Looking forward to just making plays out there and enjoying my time,” Burris said. “It’s my last Week 1 of being a senior. I want to have a great game with all my fellow teammates.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Leek Shot It and D Brown Photography, LLC