National Signing Day: Nebraska getting one of Texas' best

PLAN0 --When you think of traditional powerhouses in Texas, it doesn't take long for the name Plano to be included in the discussion. Not only are they one of the winningest programs in the state's history (506 wins and counting) they are also tied with Converse Judson for the most state titles at the 5A level with 7.

Through the years they have put out many Division 1 athletes, including notable NFL alums Pat Thomas (Los Angeles Rams, 1976-82) and Billy Ray Smith (San Diego Chargers, 1983-92). The next big-time prospect appears to be senior tailback Rex Burkhead.

Members of the media had all heard the hype before he ever stepped on the field. Naturally everyone at their school thinks that their best athlete must be the best player in the state. Stories of his off-the-charts athletic ability preceded him and prompted teammates to refer to him as "Superman". After watching him perform at a consistently high level for the last three years, this member of the leering press can attest that he lived up to all the hype and then some.

Head coach JayDon McCullough stops short of saying he's the best to ever come through Plano but without question he's on the short list. "He's not going to tell you that he's one of the best we've ever had because he's extremely humble but there's no doubt that his name will be mentioned for years to come when people talk about the best to ever come through here" he said.

The resume is without a doubt as impressive as it gets. In three years as a starter, he amassed just over 5,000 yards of total offense and 75 touchdowns, both school records. His greatest asset is quite possibly his versatility. In his three years as a starter, he scored virtually every way possible. Most of the damage came on the ground but he also scored on punt returns and even through the air on halfback passes.

In the playoffs he moved over to defense and was a solid contributor at linebacker. In a few short months he'll leave Plano as a living legend, looking forward to continuing his career with what looks to be the best class Nebraska has signed in quite some time.

"I'm excited about the opportunity and looking forward to contributing as soon as possible" Burkhead said. As for how soon he's able to get on the field, that all depends on how well he develops over the summer according to the discussions he's had with the Cornhusker coaching staff. For the record, he is looking forward to getting a chance to play tailback but is open to moving to the defensive side of the ball if he's needed to.

As good as he is on the field, by all accounts he's even better off of it. You might even say he's the Tim Tebow of Texas high school football. The more people you talk to about him, the more you find out how special he is.

Even opposing coaches and players admire the character that the soft-spoken Burkhead carries himself with. The last two seasons, Burkhead's season came to an end in the playoffs against perennial powerhouse Euless Trinity. Head coach Steve Lineweaver came away from both games very impressed with Burkhead's abilities but was even more fascinated with what he heard about his willingness to reach out to others.

"You'd think the big man on campus would be in a hurry trying to decide which party he'd attend after the game but that's not really Rex. As I understand it, he befriended a fellow student who has special needs and would typically spend time with him after the games" Lineweaver said. "That speaks volumes about him as a person, I love Rex Burkhead and really consider him one of ours. He is just the type of young man that we want our kids to be in every way possible".

The quiet and reserved Burkhead is admittedly uncomfortable with the amount of media attention that he has received but coach McCullough said he's deserving of all the praise that comes his way.

When asked about Burkhead's quiet, unassuming nature, McCullough said "Dillon Smith is the name of the young man that Steve (Coach Lineweaver) is referring to and yes, he is Rex's biggest fan. He would come to all the games and keep up with Rex's stats and critique him after the game. Rex would listen carefully and take to heart all the advice Dillon had to offer" he added.

Burkhead's abilities on the field impressed fellow incoming freshman Dontrayveous Robinson who starred at Trinity for the last three years. "Rex is a throwback. He does things that make you shake your head. I know he made some of our guys look pretty bad at times and that's not easy to do. He and I are going to be roomates and I am really looking forward to getting to know him and learn from him" Robinson said.

Those who have witnessed his play on the field are already believers but Burkhead will likely enter Nebraska without the hype that he carried into Plano. He'll be just another player that's looking to earn his teammates respect but it won't be long before they see that indeed, Superman has arrived.

Date of Article: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:21 pm

Related Content:
- Plano