FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 22, 2024 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week eight 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.
Will Brooks – Tennessee – Redshirt Senior DB
Redshirt senior defensive back Will Brooks helped seal the win for the Vols in their 24-17 win over Alabama. The Birmingham native had the game-clinching interception. “This is an unbelievable feeling, I’m just grateful that these coaches give me an opportunity to play every day,” Brooks said. “So thankful for this opportunity, glad I was able to go out there and execute it.”
Brooks also tied for the team lead with 8 tackles (1 for loss).
For the season, Brooks leads the Vols in tackles (37), is second on the team with pass break-ups (3), and tied for first on the team in interceptions (2).
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked hisway 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. TheBurlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical andspiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limitedopportunities. 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 mostprestigious 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
- 2010 – Sean Bedford, Center – Georgia Tech
