The Nebraska football team practiced in perfect football weather inside Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, as they prepared for their upcoming game this Saturday at No. 17 Texas. With word that starting left tackle Lydon Murtha will likely be out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, true freshman Jaivorio Burkes has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the void.

 “I think he’ll be a prototype tackle,” Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson said. “He’s a gifted kid on the edge. I think he’s got the athleticism to play inside (at guard), but I believe his forte will be as a tackle.”

Burkes came to Nebraska from Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, Ariz., where he was widely regarded as one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects. Burkes was a Class 4A all-state selection by the Arizona Republic and a member of the Rivals.com 250, earning a four-star rating by the recruiting service.

Although the 6-5, 315 pound Burkes has yet to see game action this season, Watson said he has taken plenty of reps in practice.

“He’s gotten quite a bit over the last two weeks,” Watson said. “Just because he’s such a good football player, we kept watching him when he was down on the scout field and when we were in drills when we had the young guys up working with him. He’s such an impressive player I said ‘this guy can help us.’ He’s gotten a lot of work over the past two or three weeks.”

Head Coach Bill Callahan also appears confident that Burkes will be ready this weekend for his potential collegiate debut.

“We have a lot of confidence in his abilities,” Callahan said. “He has the most talent to step in and play. We’re going to utilize his skills and abilities.” 

The Huskers’ game in Austin will be regionally televised by ABC this Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.