2024 PFN Player Spotlight: Getting to Know River Valley RB/LB Gavin Burkhart

Tagged under: District 6, News, Player Previews

Daniel Reed | June 25, 2024

Gavin Burkhart
River Valley HS
Class Of: 2025
Position(s): RB/LB
Jersey Number: 15
Ht: 5’11 – Wt: 195lbs
Other Sports: Golf, Baseball, Track and Field
Notable Awards or Recognitions: IRMC Player of the Week
Twitter: @gburkhart15
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WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH:

Gavin is a big, physical running back that came up just shy of 1,000 yards last season. He has been putting in the work in the weight room since we lost our last playoff game. I have not had a running back of this size and speed in four years. I am looking forward to seeing how Gavin performs this season and leads this team.

GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT GAVIN:

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at River Valley High School ?
The best part about being a student-athlete is having half-day Fridays and having a nice break between school and a Friday night football game.

How long have you been playing football(any level) ?
10 years

Of all the road games you have played, which stadium had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good ?
Northern Cambria, because their fans are always very loud and into the game.

If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense ? Explain:
Defense, because it’s more exciting.

As an athlete, what has been your biggest achievement ?
My biggest achievement is holding a state deadlift record in the 198lbs, 16 and 17 year old class.

What was the high point of the 2023 season ?
Our high point of the 2023 season was beating United Valley and giving them their first loss.

What are you going to miss the most from the class of 2024 ?
I am going to miss all of the Seniors because we had a strong relationship and bond.

What are your goals for the 2024 season ?
Win the Heritage Conference Championship title.

Who is your favorite sports star and why ?
Saquon Barkley, because watching him play for Penn State was something else.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most ? Explain:
My favorite play was scoring my first touchdown my Freshman year. It was the first game of the season against United. I took the hand off up the middle, bounced it outside and headed straight down the sideline for the score.

Who is the best player(s) you have ever lined up against and what team did they play for ?
Lou Swartz, QB for West Shamokin.

What stadium, (HS/College/Pro) would you love to visit for a game ?
Notre Dame Stadium

What is your favorite Pro Sports team(any sport) ? Explain:
Pittsburgh Steelers, born a Steeler fan.

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why ?
Notre Dame Vs. Clemson in 2020. It was a high scoring game and Notre Dame won in OT.

What sports movie could you watch every day if you had to pick one, and why ?
Happy Gilmore, because it stars Adam Sandler and it’s a classic that never gets old.

Name one thing you’d love to do in football that may never happen ?
Kick a field goal.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Lacrosse

What is your most embarrassing sports moment ?
Getting my ankles taken.

When you aren’t playing, practicing, or training for sports, what is your go to activity, and why ?
Golfing, because its fun to play a round with a good group of friends.

Which one, Sheetz, Wawa, or Rutters ? Explain:
Sheetz is the best. There is a reason Blairsville has two of them.

What is your favorite vacation destination ?
OBX-Outer Banks, NC

Favorite Fast Food/Burger place and why ?
Chick-Fil-A because, their sauce is the best.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game, which ones ?
Pittsburgh Steelers, Pens, and Pirates games.

NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, NFL, Which league is the best and why ?
NCAAF, because College Game Day is always fun to watch.

What is your favorite video game, on mobile and or console ?
OG Fortnite

Favorite School Subject ?
Math

Favorite Band/Musician ?
Travis Scott

Airplane, Boat, or Vehicle(motorcycles included), how would you travel and to where ?
Airplane, because I love the feeling of taking off and the views are nice.

Name one thing in life(NOT SPORTS RELATED) you would like to achieve:
I want to make six figures.

Location you think would be the best place to live(ie: island, mountains, city, etc) ? Explain why:
Along the coast, because anytime you need to relax and get some sun, you can just go to the beach.

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