Braylon Heard - Running Back

Ohio prep star Braylon Heard adds a talented running back prospect to Nebraska’s 2010 recruiting class. The 5-11, 180-pound Heard was a standout performer for Coach P.J. Fecko at Ohio prep power Cardinal Mooney High School. Heard rushed for 1,973 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior, while he also caught a pair of touchdown passes and returned kickoffs and punts for the Cardinals. His play helped Cardinal Mooney to a perfect 15-0 record and the Division III state championship. In the state title game against St. Francis DeSales, Heard rushed for 178 yards on 28 carries, including touchdown runs of 53 and 26 yards. He also had a touchdown pass and an interception. His play as a senior earned Heard first-team All-Ohio honors as a running back. During his junior season, Heard excelled on both sides of the ball. He rushed for 959 yards and eight touchdowns, while playing a big role at safety, including a pair of interceptions. His defensive effort earned Heard Division IV All-Ohio honors as a cornerback. Heard is rated among the top five running backs in the country according to Rivals.com. The service also ranks him among the top five players in Ohio and the top 60 overall recruits nationally. Scout.com also ranks him among the top 35 running backs in the country. This marks the second time in three years NU has signed a player from the school, as NU inked receiver Tim Marlowe in 2008. Heard was also part of a state champion 4x100 meter relay team at Mooney. Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini, defensive coordinator Carl Pelini and running backs coach Tim Beck are all graduates of Cardinal Mooney High. Heard chose Nebraska over offers from dozens of schools, including Penn State, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and West Virginia to name a few. Heard is the son of Michelle Sullivan and was born on Oct. 11, 1991. <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>