2012 Burlsworth Trophy Semi-Finalists
Ezekiel Ansah, SR, Defensive Line, Brigham Young University
A native of Ghana, “Ziggy”, as he is called by teammates, never played football before putting on pads (incorrectly) at BYU. He came to BYU to run track, but was deemed simply too big, even after running a sub-22 second 200 meters. He is now a 3 year letterman for the 3rd ranked defense in the country. Ziggy is projected as a 1st day pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
B. J. Finney, Soph, Center, Kansas State University
In 2011, B. J. was named 1st Team Freshman All-American and 1st Team Freshman All-Big 12 by Rivals.com. In 2012, as only a sophomore, he has started every game for the 10-1 and 6th ranked (BCS) Wildcats. He has anchored the line that ranks 10th in the nation in scoring offense, and leads the Big 12 with 36 rushing TD’s
Andrew Seumalo, SR, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State University
Andrew is a team Co-Captain this year, and has 28 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He has started in 22 games during his career, including the last 21 straight for the 15th ranked (BCS) team in the nation
Matt McGloin, SR, Quarterback, Penn State University
In 2012, Matt has passed for 23 TD’s, while rushing for 5 more. He ranks 2nd in passing yardage and is tied for most TD passes in the Big Ten. Matt holds the PSU record for most TD passes during his career at 45, and season passing yardage with 3,071 with one game still remaining. He is the only walk-on to ever start at quarterback for Joe Paterno in his 44 year head coaching career.
David Quessenberry, SR, Tackle, San Jose State University
David has 35 career starts on the offensive line, and had a streak of 27 consecutive starts at one point. As a junior he was named a 2nd Team All-WAC selection, and was named the Team’s Most Valuable Lineman. Prior to the 2012 campaign, he was voted Team Captain, named to the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list, and picked as a 1st Team pre-season All-WAC selection by Phil Steele Magazine.
Andrew Abbott, SR, Strong Safety, UCLA
With no Division 1 scholarship offers out of high school, Andrew walked on to the team the day before they started drills. He has now started in 24 games during his career. In 2012, he was chosen as one of the team’s Co-Captains, and has amassed 4 interceptions
Alex Kupper, SR, Tackle, University of Louisville
Alex is one of the most versatile and consistent offensive linemen on the team. He has played all 3 positions on the line this year for the 20th ranked (BCS) Cardinals, and is touted by his coaches as the team’s top offensive lineman. He anchors the line at Louisville which is ranked 42nd in the country in total offense.
Jordan Kovacs, SR, Safety, University of Michigan
Jordan is a 4 year starter at Safety for the Wolverines. He was named 2nd Team Freshman All-American, and Sporting News Freshman All-Big Ten. As a Sophomore he ranked 2nd in the Big Ten with 116 tackles. As a Junior he was named to the pre-season Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list and finished the season as the team’s 2nd leading tackler with 75 stops. In 2012, he has started every game, registered his 300th career tackle, and is considered one of the top safeties in the nation.
Spencer Long, JR, Guard, University of Nebraska
As a sophomore he was one of only 3 offensive linemen to start every game in 2011, and helped Nebraska rank 15th nationally in rushing, and earned 2nd Team All-Big Ten honors. As a Junior he has started every game and has helped lead the team to rank 8th nationally in rushing for 2012. He is among team leaders in pancake blocks.
Jared Abbrederis, JR, Wide Receiver, University of Wisconsin
As a sophomore, Jared was named honorable mention All-American punt returner by SI.com while ranking 3rd in the nation. He was also a consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten wide receiver, leading his team with 933 receiving yards. In 2012 he is averaging 72.9 receiving yards/game which ranks him 2nd in the nation, and is ranked 4th in the country with 729 total receiving yards.
