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DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia State expects big things from Burkhalter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Sam Burkhalter is showing some of his father’s leadership. He might run the first play in Georgia State University football history.
Sam, the son of Rep. Mark Burkhalter, the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Georgia House of Representatives, signed with the first class to commit to GSU.
Signing the younger Burkhalter had nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with Sam, coach Bill Curry said.
“He was exploding through tackles. He ran for 200 yards against [class AA state champion] Buford. I mean you can’t do that,” Curry said. “When I met him I was so impressed with, frankly, his muscularity.”
The 5-10, 197 pound senior running back at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell is built like a tank. His size is combined with great speed - he clocked a 4.37 second 40 -yard-dash.
In his senior season, he averaged 155.5 yards per game, and scored 18 touchdowns. Curry added, “[Sam] didn’t hesitate when I offered to him. He said ‘I’m going to jump on that coach,’ I love the way he accepted.”
Sam says that he thought Curry’s background combined with an opportunity to get in on the ground floor with the team was too good to pass up.
“You get there and you have a better chance than you have in other places,” he said. “It’s you and thirty guys. You can really establish something and become a leader right away if you step up. My goal is to be a leader, to have people follow me by example.”
He’s also hoping to get the first carry of 2010.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Georgia State
Comments
By Joe
February 4, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Being a GSU grad, this feels like a huge step. It looks like they are headed in the right direction and I am excited to see them play in ‘10.
By Joe
February 4, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
Being a GSU grad, this feels like a huge step. It looks like they are headed in the right direction and I am excited to see them play in ‘10.
By Mr. Parker
February 4, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
As a GSU alumnus I must say that I am thoroughly excited about our football team. I can’t wait until the first game. I hope that we can eventually get a rivalry started up with Georgia Southern.
By DOUG
February 4, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this
Kinda scary how quickly this program could grow. Metro Atlanta and North Georgia is a 3 star hotbead. Many of these kids want to stay close to home and will. I would look for them to be at the level of Georgia Southern within 2 years and challenging GT for a few 4 star players within 6 years.