From the Media
“Burkhead is a folk hero in the Cornhusker State, by far Nebraska’s most popular player. The senior running back has won over the Husker faithful with his production, versatility, durability, humility and success both on and off the field. No one in Big Red country needs to be convinced that Burkhead is among college football’s best players.” (Read More) – Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com)
“Anyone who is going to be considered a legend must be more than just a great football player. He has to be the face of a program, making his coaches, teammates and fans proud both on and off the field. Burkhead is, by all indications, exactly that type of player.” (Read More) – Kraig Lundberg (bleacherreport.com)
“Simply put, certain guys were put on Earth to be a running back. They have a feel, a knack for the position. Davis and Rozier had it, as did several other Husker greats. No question, Rex has it.” (Read More) – Steve Sipple (Lincoln Journal Star)
“If the Cornhuskers can win the Big Ten and Burkhead can lead the charge offensively as he did last year, then he can be a dark horse candidate for the Heisman. So what should his campaign look like? Our suggestion: “Vote for Superman.” That’s a nickname for Burkhead, though he’s much too humble to publicly embrace it. And he’s a pretty super off the field as well, as he won a national award for his work with a young fan battling brain cancer. Burkhead has the perfect image for a Heisman golden boy; all he needs is a few more signature plays.” (Read More) – Brian Bennett (ESPN.com)
“Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead doesn’t have to touch another football to know he has made a difference.” (Read More) – Dave Carey (CBSSports.com)
“Burkhead is everything you want from a player on the field, and the most prominent member of “Team Jack” is an even better human being off the field.” (Read More) – Patrick Runge (bleacherreport.com)
“He did it all for Nebraska in 2011, rushing for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns and adding 21 receptions for 177 yards and two scores. Burkhead showed he could handle a featured back’s carries load — and then some. He’s one of the hardest-working, most likable players in college football and deserves to get more national attention.” (Read More) – Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com)
“While the dual-threat Martinez produced the bulk of the highlight material, Burkhead served as the fuel behind the Huskers’ attack. The rising senior will reprise that role this fall as the most important offensive player on Nebraska’s roster — and as a true Heisman contender.” (Read More) – Zac Ellis (SI.com)
“Despite being the team’s best player, Burkhead has one of the most humbling attitudes you’ll find across the college football landscape and has always showed himself to be a team-first guy. His “lead by example” approach seems to be rubbing off on his teammates as well.” (Read More) – Kraig Lundberg (bleacherreport.com)
“He’s the most valuable offensive weapon at Nebraska since quarterback Eric Crouch did it all in 2001 while winning the Heisman.” (Read More) – Lee Barfknecht (Omaha World Herald Staff Writer)
From the Team
“The things he does in our community, the type of leader he is, the type of example he sets on a daily basis, what he’s accomplished in the classroom, I wouldn’t trade him for another player in the country.” (Read More) – Head Coach Bo Pelini
“Even though we know what he can do, it still surprises you and amazes you, watching him in practice, what he can do. Heck, he runs the Wildcat, he takes handoffs, he catches passes, throws it. Rex is a special guy.” (Read More) – Linebacker Will Compton
“He works his butt off, and he studies the game. He has that durability and mental toughness, in terms of being a guy you can count on.” (Read More) – Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck
“He’s a tremendous athlete. It’s ridiculous, really. He has almost a 40-inch vertical leap. I don’t think people realize how explosive this guy is.” (Read More) – Head Coach Bo Pelini