Nebraska will go into spring practice this week looking to lighten running back Rex Burkhead's workload.

Offensive coordinator Tim Beck said Tuesday that Burkhead "took
a beating" last season and that the Cornhuskers need to get Ameer
Abdullah and Aaron Green more involved this fall.

Burkhead averaged about 23 carries a game while running for
1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He ran 35 times against Michigan
State and 38 times against Iowa and had 75 percent of all carries
by running backs.

Coach Bo Pelini said it's his staff's job to get the ball in
Abdullah's and Green's hands more.

The Huskers were 9-4 last season and finished third in the Big
Ten's Legends Division. They start practice Saturday.