Northwestern University Athletics
Two Minute Drill: Ben Burkett
10/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2008
Life isn't glamorous when you're an offensive lineman.
You spend your Saturdays hitting the defense as hard as you can time and time again, opening up holes for the running back and providing time for the quarterback to hit his receivers. Look as hard as you want, and chances are you won't find center Ben Burkett doing post-game interviews or even getting his name in the box score. Which is exactly how Burkett prefers it.
"This offensive line has two goals for every game--protect our quarterback and open holes for our runners," Burkett said. "To see Tyrell (Sutton) find the end zone three or four times a game, and seeing that defensive lineman laying on the ground, that's pretty satisfying for me. That's when I know I've done my job."
Even more impressive considering Burkett has taken to the field as a redshirt freshman, a pattern which seems to be taking shape at Northwestern. He becomes just the third full-time starter for the Wildcats since Austin King solidified the starting position as a freshman in 1999. King handled the snaps for the offense all four years he suited up for the `Cats, then handed the reigns to Trevor Rees, another four-year constant up front for NU. Pretty big shoes to fill for a first-year starter out of Toledo, Ohio.
"It kind of caught me off guard, to be honest," said Burkett. "Luckily I was able to redshirt last year and spent a lot of time working with Trevor. He taught me a lot about the position and the finer points of playing center in this offense. Last year was a focus on the mental aspect while this season has been all about the physical. It's been a whirlwind, that's for sure."
Coming into the 2008 season, the Wildcat offensive line posed perhaps the biggest question mark for Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald. With only two returning starters, the coaching staff knew the difference between a possible bowl game and a disappointing season would hinge on the performance of some new names up front in the trenches.
Thus far, they haven't disappointed. Along with Burkett, Desmond Taylor captured one of the starting nods in training camp while Keegan Kennedy switched over from the defensive line. Throw Al Netter, another redshirt freshman, into the mix and you've got yourself an offensive line that is rounding itself into a solid group.
"Everyone has really stepped up and taken responsibility for their new roles," Burkett said. "We've got a different look with new guys in different spots, but it's been a positive thing. We gelled well together in preseason workouts and everyone is really focused on doing their job and doing it well, so I think we'll be just fine."
Still, considering the lineage that Burkett is stepping into, it can be an overwhelming feeling. After all, King suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks following his days in Evanston and Rees also earned the reputation as one of the top centers ever to play at Northwestern. So where does Burkett see himself playing into that conversation?
"I don't know if I consider myself part of that tradition," Burkett said. "I know the history of the center position here, but honestly all I'm focused on is knocking the guy lining up across from me on his back."
That, and making sure Sutton finds the end zone as many times as possible. Just make sure Tyrell is the one that has to do the post-game interview.
