Rex Burkhead Looking To Go Out On Top

“I’d like to go out with a bang.”

Those were the words of Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead at today’s Capital One Bowl players and coordinators press conference. Tuesday’s matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs will be the final game of Burkhead’s college career.

This season has been a trying one for the senior, having played just seven games due to injury. He is fully healthy now, and figures to be a key player for the Huskers run-heavy offense on Tuesday. His role with the team goes far beyond running and blocking.

“ epitomizes the University of Nebraska and the football program,” said Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck. “ a great young man, and really his leadership, even though we didn’t have him most of the year…you feel him every day.”

Burkhead was the feature back for the Huskers in last year’s Capital One Bowl. He did the yeoman’s work, running 23 times for 89 yards, but wasn’t able to get in the endzone. That honor went to then-freshman Ameer Abdullah. In his final game, Burkhead wants to score, but wants the win more.

“It’s always nice to get in the end zone whenever you can,” said Burkhead. “But at the end of the day as long as we come out on top that’s perfectly fine with me.”

Beyond the Capital One Bowl, Burkhead does have NFL aspirations. He is among the top running backs available in the 2013 NFL draft, and some are labeling him as a potential steal. None of that talk has bothered the level-headed Texan, whose only focus is the Georgia Bulldogs.

“I’m definitely looking forward to that next chapter in my life,” said Burkhead. “But first and foremost is the game against Georgia…I just want a ‘W’.”