Finalists announced for the Burlsworth Trophy

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan and Troy linebacker Carlton Martial are the three finalists for the 12th annual Burlsworth Award, the foundation announced Tuesday.

The Burlsworth Award, which is awarded to “the most outstanding college football player in America who began his career as a walk-on”, is named in the honor of former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, who walked-on with the Razorbacks’ program in 1994 and ended up becoming a three-year starter and an All-American in 1998. He was selected 63rd overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, but 11 days later was tragically killed in a car accident.

Looking at this year’s finalists

Bennett – a former walk-on who joined the Georgia program in 2017, then transferred to a junior college and then returned to Athens in 2019 – has put together a big season with the Bulldogs. With his team currently undefeated at 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff Top 25, Bennett has thrown for 1,625 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bennett ranks third nationally in passing efficiency (184.6) and fourth in yards per completion (16.75).

Another Burlsworth Trophy finalist from the SEC is Morgan, who had a breakout season for Arkansas in 2020 and decided to return for another year. After leading the Razorbacks with 111 total tackles last season, he is third on the team in 2021 with 78 tackles to go along with seven tackles-for-loss and an interception. His defensive play has helped the Razorbacks to a 7-3 mark at this point of the campaign.

Martial, who plays for Troy in the Sun Belt Conference, earned a scholarship from the Trojans prior to fall camp in 2018 and has been an anchor for the team’s defense ever since. After putting up over 100 tackles in both his sophomore and junior seasons, Martial has tallied a team-high 102 tackles this season in addition to nine tackles-for-loss, a sack, forced fumble and an interception. His Troy squad is currently 5-5 in 2021.

The winner of the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy will be announced Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Pitt center Jimmy Morrissey won the award last year, while Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes received the honor in 2019. Former Oklahoma standout and current Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield won the award in both 2015 and 2016.