FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Nov. 12, 2024 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week 11 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.
Carson Schwesinger – UCLA – Redshirt Junior LB
Carson Schwesinger was clutch for UCLA in their 20-17 win over Iowa. He had 7 tackles and intercepted 2 of Hawkeye quarterback Brendan Sullivan’s 9 pass attempts, earning him the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week.
The team captain and Butkus Award semifinalist leads the Big Ten in total tackles per game (10.2), double-digit tackle performances (six), solo tackles per game (6.6) and solo tackles (59) and ranks third in total tackles (92 in one fewer game). Schwesinger’s rate of total tackles place him seventh in the FBS and third among “Power 4” performers.
After the game, Schwesinger knew who to credit for the team’s defensive success. “I think that’s a shoutout to the whole defense and the coaching staff that put together a great game plan going into this week. I think we went into this week knowing it was going to be a challenge and we were ready for it.”
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. 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 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.
n 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 – Missouri
- 2022 – Stetson Bennett, Quarterback – Georgia
- 2021 -Grant Morgan, Linebacker – Arkansas
- 2020 – JimmyMorrissey, Center – 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 – GeorgiaTech
