FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 17, 2024 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week three 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.
Bryce Boettcher – Oregon – Senior LB
Bryce Boettcher was a major catalyst for the Oregon defense, which held Oregon State to 14 points in the first half and zero points in the second half. The Ducks beat the Beavers in dominating fashion, 49-14 to move to 3-0 on the season. For his efforts, Boettcher earned the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week honor.
The Oregon native led all players with 10 total tackles, including four solo tackles, while breaking up two passes in the first half.
Each week during the regular season, the Burlsworth Trophy will select a Walk-On of the Week. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will announce the finalists for the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy on November 19. 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.
Boettcher is in his final season with the Ducks and was looking to leave it all on the field as he competed in his last Oregon-Oregon State rivalry game. “It’s bragging rights for the rest of the year and for the rest of the time. I got endless memories from both stadiums, but this was a big one,” said Boettcher.
Boettcher is the leading tackler for Oregon’s defense with 21 tackles on the season so far, eight of those are solo tackles. He is a dual-sport athlete for the Ducks and was drafted in the 13th round of the MLB draft by the Houston Astros.
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 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, Runningback – 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
