Javario Burkes Season 2008

Honors & Awards

• First-Team Freshman All-Big 12 (The Sporting News, 2007)
• 2008 Athlon Magazine "Rising Star"

2009 Outlook
Offensive tackle Jaivorio Burkes has been a key component of the Nebraska offensive line each of the past two seasons. He filled a key role as a true freshman by starting late in the season, then in 2008 he was a part of Nebraska’s regular offensive tackle rotation. The 6-5, 295-pound Burkes should play an even more extensive role this fall as one of the leading contenders to take over the right tackle spot after the graduation of Lydon Murtha.

2008 (Sophomore)
Burkes was slowed by an illness that forced him to miss the majority of fall camp, but he returned in time for the season opener and played in all 13 games, with four starts. Burkes started at right tackle against San Jose State, Kansas and Kansas State, while lining up on the left side at Iowa State.

The Husker offensive line allowed quarterback Joe Ganz to set season records for passing yards, completion percentage and total offense. Nebraska also ranked among the top 20 nationally in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense. The Huskers reached 400 yards in nine of 13 games and topped 30 points 10 times. Nebraska also averaged better than 200 rushing yards per game over the second half of the regular season and ranked second nationally in time of possession.

2007 (Freshman)
Burkes was one of 11 true freshmen to see action for the Huskers in 2007. He waited patiently and impressed Nebraska coaches on the scout team until late in the season. However, Murtha suffered a foot injury against Texas A&M and Burkes moved into the starting lineup for the Huskers’ game at No. 17 Texas. He went on to play in the final four games, and also earned starts against Kansas and Kansas State.

Burkes’ play helped Nebraska average 560.8 yards of total offense in the season’s final four games. He helped protect quarterback Joe Ganz who produced three of NU’s five all-time 400-yard passing days in the month of November.

Before Nebraska (Moon Valley HS)
Burkes was one of five signees from Arizona in Nebraska’s 2007 class. He was widely regarded as one of the nation's top offensive line prospects after starring for Coach Roger Britson at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix. In addition to his standout work on the offensive line, Burkes also played on the defensive line for Moon Valley and recorded eight sacks during his senior season. Burkes was a Class 4A first-team all-state selection by the Arizona Republic. He was rated among the top five recruits in the state of Arizona and the top 10 offensive line prospects in the country. Burkes was selected to play in the East Meets West All-American Game in Florida.

Burkes was also a starter for his high school basketball team, and ranked among the state’s top players. As a senior, he averaged 20 points and 16 rebounds per game. He averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds per game during his junior season. Burkes chose Nebraska after also taking recruiting visits to Oklahoma, Michigan and Arizona State.

Personal
Jaivorio is the son of Sherry Webb and was born on Dec. 20, 1988, in Montgomery, Ala. His family moved to Phoenix when Jaivorio was five years old. He has not yet declared a major. Burkes has volunteered his time with Nebraska’s team hospital visits, at the F Street Recreation Center and the Legacy Retirement Center.

Burkes' Career Statistics
Games Played - 17 (4 in 2007, 13 in 2008)
Games Started - 7 (3 in 2007, 4 in 2008)