FAYETTESVILLE, Ark. — Husky senior defensive back Myles Bryant was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy it was announced on Tuesday. The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on.
Bryant entered the year as a Preseason All-Pac-12 First Team selection and has recorded 56 tackles with two interceptions. Bryant recorded a season-high two interceptions and a sack against Hawaii, earning Pac-12 Player of the Week recognition. He recorded a season-high nine tackles against BYU. Bryant, who began his career as a walk-on in 2016, was named to preseason watch lists for the Nagurski, Thorpe and Bednarik awards.
Bryant, from Pasadena, Calif., has played in 47 games during his stellar four-year career, starting 35 of them. He earned All-Pac-12 Second Team recognition in 2018 and was Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 in 2017. As a true freshman, Bryant played in 11 of 14 games during Washington’s CFP run in 2016.
The selection committee will announce the top three Burlsworth Trophy finalists on November 19th. Finalists will be honored and the winner of the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy will be announced on December 9th, at 12:45 pm at a luncheon in Springdale, Ark., hosted by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with the Springdale Rotary Club.
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. Burlsworth’s life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER”, which was released nationally in 2016.
Ashytyn Davis, California, Safety/Kick Returner, Senior
Alex Highsmith, Charlote, Defensive End, Senior
Joshua Kelley, UCLA, Running Back, Senior
Rodrigo Blakenship, Georgia, Kicker, Senior
Joey Magnifico, Memphis, Tight End, Senior
Kenny Willekes, Michigan State, Defensive End, Senior
Sam Renner, Minnesota, Defensive Lineman, Senior
Jan Johnson, Penn State, Linebacker, Senior
Josh Love, San Jose State, Quarterback, Senior
Myles Bryant, Washington, Defensive Back, Senior
