The Heisman Chances of a Nebraska Running Back
It has been nearly thirty years since a Nebraska running back has won the Heisman Trophy. The All American Mike Rozier decimated Nebraska and Big Eight records at the time, and cracked a couple of NCAA records. Since that point, there have been 28 other Heisman Trophies awarded, but only eight have even gone to running backs.
Sr
• IB • 5-11 • 210 lbs
Rex 's full bio
So what are some of the metrics it would take for Rex Burkhead to be so exceptional, the voters could not ignore him? The first item is only partially in control of the quiet running back. The Huskers must absolutely be a top 5 team. It is the only way to get the media attention necessary and the higher ranked teams are more likely to have players be recognized as great.
Assuming that Nebraska can muster a top finish, Burkhead would then have to lead the nation in some quantifiable statistic (heart, consistency, want-to, or willpower don't count). The best chance for Burkhead would probably be to crack open the yards per carry or yards per game. Get at least 7 per touch or near 150 per game and it gives people something to talk about. Unfortunately, this offense looks like it will be prolific enough that Burkhead will not be able to touch the necessary amount of touchdowns, probably close to 30.
There has been much talk of media campaigns and promotions that the athletic department should undertake for the top players in the program. Those pushes for a player seem to fizzle out after a few weeks. The best players are going to consistently be great from the beginning of the season and not slow down with league play. It is the only way for Burkhead to continue being nationally recognized.
8/2/2012
Rozier, best NU back ever. Period.
Burkhead must have the yards, show up in big games, and find the end zone.
Wakita, Oklahoma
8/2/2012
Looking back, a couple of wins vs Texas would have gone a long way in helping Burkhead win the Heisman Trophy, at least once.
The guy has had plenty of good stats, so what seems to be the real reason for not getting over the top? He has failed to gain the support of his team.
It’s obvious that Burkhead runs with a lot of heart but if the defense can’t stop teams on a consistent basis then Heisman Trophies won’t happen. Heisman Trophies are usually associated with outstanding team play throughout the year.
Barry Sanders was probably the last HT winner I can remember who won it with a team who didn’t get too much help from his defense, but those days are over with. Before that, Doug Flutie wins it due to one play, really. So go figure.
This being Coach Pelini’s 5th year as HC, you should see if he is truly a real defensive guru and gets Burkhead some team support in getting the trophy. Better QB play should only help the cause, as well.
Wakita, Oklahoma
8/2/2012
**Note**
As great of a season Burkhead had last year, Barry Sanders Heisman Trophy season (1988) he had a season total of 2850 rushing yards (including 222 yards in the Holiday Bowl game) with 44 TD’s, according to a collegiate website.
The guy was a phenom and even though his team allowed tons of points, there was no way not to award him the trophy.
Kansas City, MO
8/2/2012
Burkhead is a great player, undoubtedly. But the 2011 effort of 1357 yards, 4.7 ypc, and 15 TD’s is pedestrian by years past Heisman standouts like Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, or Barry Sanders. I may be adding a table to this story after pulling stats from past Heisman winners to compare…
Kansas City, MO
8/2/2012
So here’s a list of stats of some of the Heisman winner running backs that I could find:
Running back stats
Compare to Burkhead’s career stats:
Huskers.com
List of Heisman winners:
Wikipedia
California
8/2/2012
Mark Ingram, Jr…. 2009
1,658 yards 6.1 ypc 17 TD
That seems pretty doable for Rex… but the biggest thing Ingram had going for him was that his team WON.
8/2/2012
One thing about the run/pass ratio and rushing/passing attempts that doesn’t seem to come up much, is that opportunity for increased attempts come with successful attempts. That is, when NU puts on long scoring drives, there are more plays because the previous plays were successful! So, if we complete those 2nd and 3rd down passes, gain first downs rushing or passing, we get another attempt! Success breeds success! Better line play, defenses not stacking the box due to passing success, all will help Burkhead be more productive on those plays he does get the ball.
8/2/2012
Well said, BallField78. Burkehead could be in the running easily for the HT, but will need the support with the rest of the crew. I’m expecting some big #‘s for Mart this year as I’ve heard great things from his off season and maturity. Lastly, I’m looking forward to what BO brings to his 5th season as HC.
California
8/3/2012
Unfortunately for Rex, he will always be labeled as a “throwback” and have his athleticism underestimated simply because he is white.
Take Roy Helu Jr., for instance. I recall him being described by various telecasters throughout his senior season as “not having blazing speed”, even though everyone who had a pair of functioning eyes could watch him outrun the angles on safeties and corners nearly every week.
When the combine came along… 4.42.
Yeah, no speed there.
I am sure that his pacific islander lineage had nothing to do with that mis-perception at all.
Just sayin’.
8/3/2012
That seems pretty doable for Rex… but the biggest thing Ingram had going for him was that his team WON.
—————————————————
Ingram also had a crazy amount of Yards after contact. Something like 1200 or so if I remember. Regardless you are correct that a Heisman isn’t impossible. He will also have to out do Montee Ball in most meaningful categories because it would be unlikely he gets votes if someone else in the conf has better stats.
8/3/2012
Rex probably had 1200 yac as well :). Oline didn’t make too many big holes.