Gators WR Taylor Spierto a nominee for Burlsworth Trophy
Florida Gators receiver Taylor Spierto doesn’t have stats that jump off the page. But he has a valuable role on the team, and because of that Spierto has been nominated for major national award — The Burlsworth Trophy. It goes to the most outstanding football player in America who began his college career as a walk-on.
Spierto, a redshirt junior, joined the program in 2021. He has one catch for 20 yards this season (it came against Kentucky) and three in his career. But of note, Spierto has had a significant impact on special teams and played in 20 straight games.
Taylor Spierto is a UF legacy
Spierto grew up a Gator. His father, John, played defensive back for the Florida Gators back in the 1980’s and was a member of Florida’s first SEC championship team in 1984. Taylor Spierto was all-region in football and basketball at Franklin (Ten..).
“I would say I have one of the most unique perspectives in that, I was the biggest Gator fan before I came in here, and so that doesn’t leave you,” Spierto said earlier this season. ”I care immensely about this program, and obviously I’ve been a die-hard Gator my whole life. It means something to me every time I get to step on that field. Every time we run out and I get to say a prayer in that end zone, I just get to take it in and have a different sense of gratitude, because this opportunity is unlike any other and I will never allow myself to take it for granted.”
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Florida has a terrific walk-on history. Notable Gator legends such as quarterback Kerwin Bell, receivers Chris Doering and Lee McGriff, and safety Louis Oliver all began their careers in Gainesville as walk-ons. And each later earned All-American recognition.
The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, who walked-on with the Razorbacks after not landing one major college offer. He later became a three-year starter and All-American.
