Nijhay Burt

CAREER NOTES: Has played in 35 collegiate games (31 at Eastern Illinois from 2022-24, four at MSU in 2025) . . . transferred to Michigan State in January 2025 and competed in spring practice . . . played in 31 games over the course of three seasons (2022-24) for the Panthers . . . has collected 83 tackles, four TFLs, six interceptions, three pass break-ups and two blocked kicks in his collegiate career. 2025 SEASON (SENIOR AT MICHIGAN STATE): Played in the first four games of the season (Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State, USC) . . . played 11 snaps on defense and 12 on special teams. 2024 SEASON (JUNIOR AT EASTERN ILLINOIS): Started all 12 games at cornerback after moving from safety during spring practice . . . only player to start all 12 games during 2024 in EIU's defensive backfield . . . led team in interceptions with three, which ranked tied for fourth in the Big South-OVC . . . finished season with 64 tackles, ranking third on team, while 52 solo tackles were second on team and seventh in the Big South-OVC . . . had three tackles for loss (4 yards) . . . closed the season with six tackles against Tennessee Tech (11/23) . . . had seven stops, including a half TFL, vs. Gardner-Webb (11/9) . . . credited with eight tackles and a career-high 1.5 TFLs (2 yards) while blocking a kick at Tennessee State (10/12) . . . had a 27-yard interception return and seven tackles vs. Southeast Missouri State (10/5) . . . recorded eight tackles at Illinois State (9/28) . . . forced a fumble and had six stops at Northwestern (9/14) . . . recorded a career-high nine tackles with one tackle for loss (1 yard), had a career-best two interceptions, and broke up a pass against Indiana State (9/7) . . . compiled three tackles, all solo, in season opener at Illinois (8/29). 2023 (SOPHOMORE AT EASTERN ILLINOIS): Played in all 11 games as a special teams starter and key reserve defensive back . . . finished season with 16 tackles, including 12 solo stops . . . opened season with an interception returned 67 yards for a touchdown against Indiana State (8/31), which ranked as the 10th-longest interception return for touchdown in program history. . . . added two more interceptions against UT Martin (10/7) and Lindenwood (11/4) to rank second on the team with three interceptions . . . part of an EIU defense that ranked second in the FCS in turnovers gained for the season . . . added a blocked punt on against Tennessee State (11/11) that he recovered inside the 10-yard line . . . had a season-high four tackles in Mid-America Classic win over Illinois State (9/16). 2022 (FRESHMAN AT EASTERN ILLINOIS): Played in eight games during the 2022 season, seeing time on special teams units . . . made three tackles, all solo for the season . . . had two tackles at Tennessee State (10/22) . . . other tackle came against Northwestern State (10/8) . . . made his collegiate debut vs. Chattanooga (9/10). HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Played at Steel Valley High School in Munhall, Pennsylvania . . . was the leading rusher in the WPAIL as a senior in 2021 with more than 2,000 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns . . . helped carry team into the Class 2A playoffs before suffering a season ending injury . . . a two-way stand out player, he was named the Allegheny Conference Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior . . . named an all-state selection at running back.