OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rex Burkhead, Plano, senior, running back
Height, weight: 6-0, 205
About Burkhead: Rushed for 1,762 yards and 28 touchdowns. Caught 42 passes for 594 yards and five more scores. Averaged 26.2 yards on kickoff returns, including one for a touchdown. Averaged 12.4 yards on punt returns, returning one for a TD.
Did you know? Burkhead's nickname is "Superman" because of his many athletic feats, including playing as a freshman on Plano's state champion basketball team. Yet his favorite superhero is actually Batman.
There's not much more one player can do for his team than what Rex Burkhead did in 2008. Playing multiple positions and making plays on both sides of the ball, Burkhead helped Plano win 10 games this season.
Being a jack-of-all-trades is nothing new at the high school level, but to do it in Class 5A for one of the state's largest schools, and most heralded programs, is unheard of these days.
His primary position was running back, but he was really two backs in one. Depending on the situation, Burkhead could cut, slash and make tacklers miss with the best of them. When Plano needed to load up in the I-formation and run straight at people, Burkhead could be a punishing, power rusher.
He was Plano's second-leading receiver with 42 catches. He also threw three passes, completing one for 19 yards.
He was a dangerous return man. He returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns.
Burkhead also played defense in certain situations, especially in big games when his team needed a boost.
One of his most spectacular plays came when he was defending an extra-point attempt. The opponent faked a kick and tried to run for two points. Burkhead stripped the ball from the runner and returned it 98 yards for two points the other way.
RECENT WINNERS
Year Player Pos. School
2002 Bill Foran QB Highland Park
2003 Graham Harrell QB Ennis
2004 Chase Daniel QB Southlake Carroll
2005 Matthew Stafford QB Highland Park
2006 William Cole QB Cedar Hill
2007 Riley Dodge QB Southlake Carroll