This is an election year and it seems as though everyone is running some kind of a campaign.
I am here to start the “Super Pac” (Red Sea Nation for Burkhead) to officially back Nebraska’s running back Rex Burkhead for the 2012 Heisman Trophy.
The Heisman Trophy has not been awarded to the preseason front-runner in quite some time. The last preseason pick to win the Heisman was Florida’s quarterback Tim Tebow.
Burkhead could win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, but a lot of circumstances would need to go his way. The first one is out of his control.
Nebraska would need to not only win the Big Ten Championship, but would also need to be in the discussion for the national championship. The Heisman Trophy has had a history of being awarded to the best player from the best team. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III broke that trend last season.
Nebraska has a chance to win the Legends Division and possibly win the Big Ten Championship. Young players would have to step in and contribute at a high level for the Cornhuskers in order for this to happen. I have seen Nebraska play at a high level in the past when everyone was counting it out, and it would need to happen in 2012 for Burkhead to be considered for the Heisman Trophy.
Nebraska would have to have a great season, and Burkhead would have to be a major factor in the Cornhuskers' success. If Nebraska wins the Big Ten Conference, I am sure Burkhead would have a lot to do with it.
Last season Nebraska relied heavily on Burkhead in the running game. Burkhead almost single-handedly carried the Cornhuskers to victory over Michigan State and Iowa. Against Michigan State, Burkhead carried the football 35 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He also added one reception for 27 yards and a touchdown.
Against Iowa, Burkhead set a Nebraska record by carrying the football 38 times. He gained 160 yards on the 38 carries with one touchdown.
If Nebraska relies on Burkhead in 2012 like it did in the Michigan State and Iowa games, Burkhead will be sitting in the front row at the Downtown Athletic Club for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
The problem with Burkhead carrying the football 35 times a game is the fact that he may run out of gas by the end of the season. Burkhead has shown great stamina in his career, but that kind of workload is a lot to ask of any player, even if his nickname is “Superman.”
So, will 2012 be the season Burkhead starts his run for the Heisman Trophy?
I think it could be, and I will be the first to get the conversation started. No one thought Mark Ingram, Cam Newton or Robert Griffin III had a chance to win the Heisman before their seasons began. Why can’t Burkhead be the player that comes out of nowhere to walk away with the 2012 Heisman Trophy?
If Eric Crouch can win a Heisman Trophy, so can Burkhead.
Follow me on Twitter @HuskerMagic.
Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda
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