Rex Burkhead ready to carry load for Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. — Running back Rex Burkhead is the one sure thing Nebraska’s young and overhauled offense can count on going into the season.

Burkhead will go it alone as the featured back for the 10th-ranked Huskers after combining with Roy Helu Jr. for more than 2,100 yards last year.

Running backs coach Ron Brown says Burkhead is constantly looking for ways to improve. Burkhead even asked his coaches to dig into the archives to find film of Nebraska’s 1988 game against Oklahoma State so he could learn some of Barry Sanders’ moves. He also likes to watch NFL backs, particularly LaDainian Tomlinson.

Coaches say Burkhead stayed late in the film room this summer and they him shut off the lights as the last man out.