Burlsworth Trophy
Walk-On of the Week
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 2, 2024 – Today the Burlsworth Trophy announces its first Walk-On of the Week winner. To be eligible for Burlsworth Trophy recognition a player must have begun his FBS (D1) college football career as a walk-on.
Davis Warren, University of Michigan, Senior QB – Entering the 2024 season, Davis Warren had very few game statistics but his growth and maturation during the off-season clearly paid off as the senior QB was named the starter just days before Michigan took the field on Saturday night.
In his first game as the starting QB for the Wolverines, he connected on 15-of-25 attempts for 118 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in Number 9 Michigan’s 30-10 win over Fresno State.
In 2021, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh offered Warren an opportunity to join the team as a preferred walk-on. His life and career had changed in the previous three years, from a cancer diagnosis in high school, to his senior season being canceled due to COVID-19. Warren’s route to the starting job might never have opened, but he stayed the course and just wanted the chance to lead the Wolverines’ offense.
“I never wavered,” Warren said. “I never had any interest in leaving or going anywhere else. I wanted to be here. And obviously there’s been some ups and down in the road, but it did feel really good tonight. “I’ve thought about this day for a long time and envisioned it a lot.”
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked onto the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being a three-year starter and was eventually named an All- American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created inhis memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation’s work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
About the National College Football Awards Association
The Burlsworth Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.
***Being named Walk-On of the Week does not guarantee a player will be nominated or win the Burlsworth Trophy. All Burlsworth Trophy nominees are nominated by their respective schools without input or influence from the Burlsworth Trophy.
Past Burlsworth Trophy winners include:
• 2023 – Cody Schrader, Running back – University of Missouri
• 2022 – Stetson Bennett, Quarterback – University of Georgia
• 2021 – Grant Morgan, Linebacker – University of Arkansas
• 2020 – Jimmy Morrissey, Center – University of Pittsburgh
• 2019 – Kenny Willekes, Defensive End – Michigan State
• 2018 – Hunter Renfrow, Receiver – Clemson
• 2017 – Luke Falk, Quarterback – Washington State
• 2016 – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
• 2015 – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
• 2014 – Justin Hardy, Receiver – East Carolina
• 2013 – Jared Abbrederis, Receiver – Wisconsin
• 2012 – Matt McGloin, Quarterback – Penn State
• 2011 – Austin Davis, Quarterback – Southern Mississippi
• 2010 – Sean Bedford, Center – Georgia Tech
