FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — UTSA senior quarterback Dalton Sturm has been named a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced this week.
Sturm is one of 63 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players nominated for the award, which is given to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletics department.
Sturm, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship prior to the 2016 season, has completed 121-of-185 passes for 1,563 yards and 13 touchdowns this fall, including a school-record 367 yards and three TDs against Southern Miss. The Goliad native also has rushed for 382 yards and a score, including a career-high 98 in the 17-10 win at Baylor. Sturm, who holds 11 UTSA records, currently leads Conference USA and ranks 13th among FBS players with a 157.4 passing efficiency, and he also stands second in the league and 19th nationally in completion percentage (.654).
Sturm is the Roadrunners' career leader for passing TDs (47), passing efficiency (139.5) and completion percentage (.598) and he ranks second on the school lists in pass attempts (699), completions (418), passing yards (5,146), passing yards per game (166.0), total offense (6,210), total offense per game (200.3) and touchdowns responsible for (53).
Now in its eighth year, the trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk-On and All-America offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of the major motion picture "GREATER" which was released last year.
"In the eighth year of this award, I continue to be in awe of the work ethic and determination of all our nominees." said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and older brother of Brandon. "Beginning their college career as a walk-on and overcoming incredible obstacles is truly inspiring."
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.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 4 to honor the three finalists and to announce the winner.
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