FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 24, 2024 – For week four of the college football season, the Burlsworth Trophy names two players as Co-Walk-On of the Week. To be eligible for Burlsworth Trophy recognition a player must have begun his FBS (D1) college football career as a walk-on.
Kyle Thornton – Washington State – Senior LB
For the last two weeks the Washington State linebacker has made game-changing plays including intercepting San Jose State QB Emmett Brown as WSU erased a 14-point fourth quarter deficet on their way to a 54-52 overtime win. Thornton is being honored as a Burlsworth Trophy Co-Walk-On of the Week.
Thornton led WSU with 10 tackles, including six solo with one for loss, an int, and a QB hurry.
“It’s gonna sound cliche, but it’s just trusting the process,” Thornton said. “I think in the past when things weren’t going my way, I’d find myself starting to push and the moment you start to push in this game that’s when you start making mistakes. And really what it’s about is just relying on your technique and trusting that if you keep doing what you’re supposed to do, the ball’s gonna find you.”
Washington State remains undefeated with a perfect 4-0 record.
Sean Atkins – South Florida – Senior WR
Atkins posted a career-high 11 receptions for 125 yards vs. No. 8 Miami which was his 4th career 100-yard receiving game. He moved into No. 2 all-time at USF in career receptions (145) and No. 5 in career receiving yards (1,695). For his efforts, Atkins is being honored as a Burlsworth Trophy Co-Walk-On of the Week.
“He’s such an easy example to point to—if you just put your head down and work, here’s what happens,” USF head coach Alex Golesh said when describing his top receiver.
Last year, Atkins came out of nowhere to break the USF single-season records for receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,054). In doing so, he was honored as a Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist.
Before and after he was put on scholarship, Atkins paid the bills by working a handful of different jobs, most notably as a food runner at the Meat Market, a popular restaurant in South Tampa.
Having a job while playing football really builds your character,” Atkins explained. “You have to do more things than a normal athlete does. And it really just goes back to work ethic. When you go in, you want to be doing your best when you’re on the job.
Each week during the regular season, the Burlsworth Trophy will select a Walk-On of the Week. For the annual Burlsworth Trophy award, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will announce the 2024 finalists on November 19. Nominees for the annual award are nominated by their respective universities. The winner will be announced at the Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on December 9 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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 the63rd 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 AssociationThe 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.
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 – JimmyMorrissey, Center – University of Pittsburgh
- 2019 -Kenny Willekes, Defensive End – Michigan State
- 2018 – HunterRenfrow, Receiver – Clemson
- 2017 -Luke Falk, Quarterback – Washington State
- 2016 – BakerMayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
- 2015 – BakerMayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
- 2014 – Justin Hardy, Receiver – EastCarolina
- 2013 – Jared Abbrederis,Receiver – Wisconsin
- 2012 -Matt McGloin, Quarterback – Penn State
- 2011 – Austin Davis,Quarterback – Southern Mississippi
