Nebraska Football: Top 5 running backs of the 2000s

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Running back Ameer Abdullah #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs past defensive back Brent Spikes #6 and the McNeese State Cowboys during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Abdullah broke off a 58 yard touchdown run with 20 seconds remaining in a tie game. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /

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Rex Burkhead

Playing with the Nebraska football program 2009-2012, Rex Burkhead was the epitome of a tough running back.

Burkhead had his best season in 2011. That year, he carried the ball 284 times for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although that would be the best season statistically of his career, there was no doubt he was a workhorse. His 635 attempts are the fourth -most in Nebraska football history.

Burkhead’s best season came in 2011. That year, he rushed the ball 284 times for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. For his efforts, he was a Doak Walker semifinalist, an Honorable-Mention All-American, and was named to the all-Big Ten first-team as voted by coaches, media, ESPN, and Phil Steele.

He holds the school record for the most carries in a single game. He recorded 38 against Iowa in 2011. He tore up the Big Ten that year. He recorded 26 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown against Ohio State and 35 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State two weeks later. He truly was a spark plug, and he gave Nebraska the toughness they needed in the running game.

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