Burlsworth Trophy Announces Semifinalists
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Nov. 12, 2024 – Today, the Burlsworth Trophy selection committee announces the top 10 semifinalists for the 2024 award. The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on. Brandon Burlsworth’s life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER”, which was released nationally in 2016.
The 2023 winner was running back Cody Schrader from the University of Missouri. After dominating at Truman (Mo.) State, Schrader transferred to Missouri where he contributed immediately. In 2023, he rushed for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-America by the Associated Press and First-Team All-SEC by the Associated Press and the coaches. Schrader was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He’s currently a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
The 2024 semifinalists include:
| School | Name | Position | Year |
| Baylor | Josh Cameron | WR | RS-JR |
| Buffalo | Shaun Dolac | LB | RS-SR |
| Indiana | James Carpenter | DL | RS-SR |
| Iowa | Kaden Wetjen | WR/KR/PR | SR |
| Oregon | Bryce Boettcher | LB | SR |
| South Florida | Sean Atkins | WR | SR |
| Tennessee | Will Brooks | S | RS-SR |
| Texas | Michael Taaffe | DB | RS-JR |
| UCLA | Carson Schwesinger | LB | RS-JR |
| UNLV | Jackson Woodard | LB | SR |
The selection committee will announce the top three Burlsworth Trophy finalists on November 19. The BurlsworthTrophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2024 winner will be held on December 9, at 7:00pm CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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, particularly those children who have limited opportunities.
*For all Burlsworth Trophy logos and photos, please download HERE.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.
For more information about the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), visit ncfaa.org.
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