College: Will battle for playing time at defensive end after being shifted to that position in 2011 season's final half...enters senior season with 91 career stops...with Govs concentrating on improving speed and quickness in the Front 7 positions, expected to produce both run-stopping and pass-rushing abilities from end position...owns good instincts for football... in 2011, played in all 11 games, being credited with 22 tackles...credited with four unassisted tackles in opener vs. Cincinnati...had season-best five tackles against Jacksonville State, including tackle for loss and fumble recovery...also recovered fumble against Tennessee State...in 2010, despite missing three games, finished fourth on team with 52 tackles... 44 tackles came against the run... had 10 tackles against Cumberland in season-opener... missed games against Middle Tennessee, Wisconsin and Tennessee State with elbow ligament tear...returned to make eight tackles, including sack against Tennessee Tech... turned in nine tackles and recovered a fumble against Southeast Missouri the following week... also had eight stops at Eastern Illinois...made 15 tackles over final three games... in 2009 faced daunting task of replacing Daniel Becker, APSU's four-year starter at position and first-team All-OVC selection a year ago...played in all 11 games in 2009, tallying 17 tackles...recorded season-best five tackles in opener against Newberry and matched it following week against Illinois State...recorded Govs' first interception of 2009 against Eastern Illinois in Week 3...involved in three unassisted tackles in Govs win at Southeast Missouri...recorded game-sealing interception in final minute of home win against Eastern Kentucky... used 2008 redshirt season to add strength and bulk to frame...enjoyed an impressive 2009 spring, gaining valuable experience.
High School: Quarterback, running back and linebacker for Gary Shephard at Clarksville Academy...three-year starter...on defense, credited with 78 tackles, including four sacks as senior...offensively, rushed for 1466 yards, including 25 TDs...two-time all district and all-region selection...named to The Leaf-Chronicle All-Area team...twice earned honorable mention All-State.
Personal: Business administration graduate who now is in Strategic Leadership program in graduate school...five-time member of Athletics Director's Honor Roll, including earning Dean's List recognition once...two-time Academic All-America nominee...son of David and Tracy Burkhart...born June 5, 1990...age 22.
