Ryan Burkhart Class: Junior Hometown: Wakarusa, IN High School: Northwood Height / Weight: 5-11 / 190 Position: Kicker Birthdate: 03/30/1987

CAREER: Local product has played in nine games for the Irish in his career, purely as a kickoff specialist ... did not see action as a sophomore in 2007 ... will compete this spring with Brandon Walker and Nate Whitaker for a spot as either the place-kicker or kickoff specialist ... has yet to attempt a field goal in a college game.

2007 (SOPHOMORE): Did not se game action in 2007.

2006 (FRESHMAN): Strong-legged kicker became the kickoff specialist after Bobby Renkes was injured in the fourth game of the season vs. Michigan State ... Burkhart kicked off in final nine games (including Sugar Bowl vs. LSU) and made 45 special teams appearances.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Northwood High School ... named to Indiana Top 50 all-state team as its only placekicker by Indiana Football Coaches Association ... helped Northwood High School to Indiana Class 3A state crown in 2005 ... Northwood won state crown after 2-5 league mark and 9-6 overall record that included six straight wins to finish the season ... hit 12 of 22 field-goal attempts as senior in '05 (including 53-yarder in season opener) and punted 47 times for 35.5 average ... connected on eight of 11 field goals, including seven of eight from 40 yards or more, and also punted 36 times for 39.6 average as junior in 2004 ... punted 20 times for 37.7-yard average as a sophomore in 2003 and hit 50 PATs ... Indiana Class 3A all-state pick as junior by both Associated Press, IFCA and Bloomington Herald-Times ... first-team all-conference punter and kicker as senior and junior ... kicked two 49-yard field goals in one game in 2004 ... won sectional final game as sophomore with field goal with 37 seconds left ... helped team to Northern Lakes Conference title as junior ... attended Notre Dame football camp in summer of 2005 ... born March 30, 1987 ... high school coach was Rich Dodson ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business.