Lanxter was an all-state selection his junior and seniors seasons for Tennessee state champion Alcoa. He scored on more than half of his receptions during his senior year and in the 2006 state title game, he had six catches for 173 yards and two scores.
Last year still was a learning experience for him and he credits Burton, Johnson and Dicky Lyons, UK's most productive returning receiver, for helping him learn what college football is all about.
"They have made me better. I have learned how to read coverages, how to read defenses. I have learned so much from them," Lanxter said. "It was harder than I thought it would be. I thought I could come in and play a little bit earlier. But there was a lot more to learn than I realized. You can't just have talent and perform. You have to know your stuff."
Many inspirations
Lanxter said he has not tried to pattern himself after any particular UK receiver. Instead, he wants to incorporate parts of what Burton, Johnson and Lyons all did into his play.
"I am trying to take the best aspects of their games and put them in my game. I have to step up. That's my job. So I wanted to learn all I could from them," Lanxter said.
Lanxter doesn't have any trouble knowing what is the best part of his game.
"Right now I feel like I can read stuff pretty easily. I can get open," he said. "I can go up and get the ball. When the ball comes, you have to make a play. That's what a good receiver does."
He also knows what has to improve.
"I have to get stronger. That is my big thing," Lanxter said. "I was up to 184 last year, then got a stomach virus and lost 14 pounds. But my weight is back up now."
Lanxter has also learned to handle the daily college grind.
"School is hard. Football and class, then you are dead. Me and my roommate (Matt Lentz) just sit in our room and collapse a lot in bed. We have lights out at 10 most of the time," Lanxter said.
Lyons says Lanxter is one of the smartest receivers he's been around and that it is not unusual to see him either correcting offensive coordinator Joker Phillips or trying to give him new plays.
"It's funny when he does that. But he is a smart kid and is going to help us a lot," Lyons said. "He absorbs information like a sponge. He knows the offense just as good as anybody on our team.
"Everybody saw what he did before the Music City Bowl last year. It was impressive. He looked great, and that's what we need from him next season."
That is exactly the motivation Lanxter needs to continue to improve this spring.
"I know I have to be ready because I will get a chance to make plays next year. That's the opportunity every player wants," Lanxter said. "That's why I am working so hard to make sure I am ready to take advantage of that opportunity."
