FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 1, 2024 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week five of the college football season. To be eligible for Burlsworth Trophy recognition a player must have begun his FBS (D1) college football career as a walk-on.
Jordan Faison – Notre Dame – Sophomore WR
Sophomore wide receiver Jordan Faison made an impact on offense and on special teams in the 31-24 win over No. 15 Louisville. Faison started at wide receiver and hauled in two passes for 17 yards, including one for a first down. On special teams, Faison rushed the punter on a high snap, knocking the ball out of reach and allowing for a Notre Dame recovery at the Louisville four-yard line which led to a Notre Dame touchdown on the immediately-following play.
Faison, who began his career as a walk-on, was sidelined with an injury earlier this season and has returned to the Irish starting lineup.
One significant change for Faison this fall has been playing field receiver, as he worked mostly out of the slot as a freshman. He has embraced the new spot and it appears to be a good move as he enjoys working with more space.
“It’s kind of a different world out there,” said Faison. “A lot more space to work with than in the slot, but it’s helped me grow as a player. Playing against our cornerbacks is a big feat, so that’s definitely helped me. Knowing the whole field and the whole concepts has been a great help.”
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to 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 1999 NFL draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his 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 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.
nBeing 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, Runningback – 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
