Dodge City lineman makes right pick

Dodge City (Kan.) Community College two-star offensive tackle Kyle Burkhart is a two-way lineman that's played with high success on both sides of the football in his two years at Dodge City. The 6-foot-6, 275-poudner will have two years to play two seasons and some schools like him at offensive tackle, and others like him at defensive end.

"I've always thought of myself as more of a defensive player," Burkhart, who is originally from Kinsley, Kan., said. "With the way I play, the best parts of my game are that I'm physical and running around everywhere making plays. I always thought defense was for me. But ever since I've moved to offensive tackle, I really like it.

"It's been a good move, and I'm glad I did it. Moving to left tackle is getting more schools looking at me."

Burkhart, though, almost ended up as a basketball star.

Coming out of high school at 2A Kinsley, he signed with Dodge City for football, but after his high school basketball coach seemed like he was about to take a job at Pratt C.C. he also signed to play basketball. He ended up playing a season at Pratt even though his coach didn't take the job and quickly realized that football was more his sport.

"I didn't really play a whole lot, and I started to think more and more about football," Burkhart said. "I talked to the coaches at Dodge and I came out."

The result has been well worth it. He's already picked up an offer from UAB and just on Wednesday he received another offer from Murray State. He's also getting interest from Middle Tennessee State and Temple.

"I don't know a whole lot about UAB," he said. "I just got their media guy, and I've been checking it out. I know they play in Conference USA, and it's a good conference. I'd like to take a visit there in December and see what other schools are interested in me."