Burkhead, Nebraska hope to make second Big Ten campaign historic

Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead can't really tell the difference. When asked to distinguish between the Big 12 defenses he used to face and the Big Ten units he battled for the first time last season, Burkhead gives the kind of answer many have come to expect from the Cornhuskers' soft-spoken workhorse.

"To me, it's really just lining up and playing football," Burkhead said.

Burkhead lined up effectively last season, reeling off 15 rushing touchdowns and 1,357 rushing yards, the most by a Nebraska running back since 1997. His 104.4 rushing yards per game were good for third among league players and helped propel him to All-Big Ten recognition at season's end.

Nebraska had the luxury of teaming Burkhead with quarterback Taylor Martinez to form an explosive rushing combination that finished 15th nationally. 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: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/zac_ellis/07/09/nebraska-cornhuskers-rex-burkhead/index.html#ixzz20F20F24o