2016 Burlsworth Trophy Nominations Release
Nov. 1, 2016
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (SMU) – SMU senior linebacker
Jackson Mitchell has been nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced Tuesday. The Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a Walk-On.
The Southlake, Texas, native is a team captain and has 19 tackles on the season with two pass breakups and a sack. Jackson has started all eight games for the Mustangs this season.
"This is the seventh year of the Burlsworth Trophy and once again we have a very strong group of nominees" said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and older brother of Brandon. "All of these young men have worked extremely hard and have overcome tremendous obstacles to become the players they are today."
SMU returns home next week for a Homecoming contest against Memphis on Saturday, Nov. 5. Kickoff is slated 3 p.m. CT and the game will be televised on ESPNews.
About Brandon Burlsworth
Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became 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.
Springdale Rotary Club will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 5 in Springdale, (Ark.) to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2016 winner.
For Mustang ticket information, call the Athletics Department Ticket Office at (214) SMU-GAME (768-4263).
