University of Nebraska I-back Rex Burkhead was recognized for his community outreach endeavors on Tuesday, as he was named to the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Burkhead, a senior I-back from Plano, Texas, has been active in the community throughout his Nebraska career. A three-time member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship team, he was the 2012 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Championship for his friendship with 6-year old Jack Hoffman, who has been battling brain cancer. In addition, he has spoken at schools, hosted family tours of Memorial Stadium for children who were recovering from a life-threatening illness, and appeared on a public service announcement challenging youth to avoid bullying. He was also a first-team Academic All-American in 2012 and a two-time academic all-conference selection.
On the field, Burkhead is an All-Big Ten first-team performer who rushed for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012. He rushed for 68 yards on three carries, including a career-long 57-yard touchdown run, in his 2012 debut against Southern Miss, but missed the last two games with a knee injury, but is expected to return to action on Saturday against Idaho State.
Burkhead is the 12th Husker football player to receive the honor since its inception in 1992. Last year, defensive tackle Jared Crick was one of 22 players selected for the honor. Other Huskers who have been selected for the Good Works team in previous years include Troy Branch (LB, 1992, 1993), Donta Jones (OLB, 1994), Aaron Graham (C, 1995), Jared Tomich (RE, 1996), Dan Alexander (IB, 1999), Patrick Kabongo (DT, 2001), Troy Hassebroek (WR, 2002), Sandro DeAngelis (P/PK, 2003), Mark LeFlore (WR, 2005) and Dane Todd (FB, 2006).
A total of 117 players were nominated from college and universities representing 35 states for the 2012 Good Works Team. From the nominations, a prestigious voting panel comprised of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and college football media selected two 11-member teams – one featuring players competing in the NCAA® Football Bowl Subdivision and the other a combined team representing the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA.
— Shamus McKnight, Nebraska Sports Information