It’s been quite a year for Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher.
He began in the spring with the baseball team playing centerfield where he was a big part of that team’s run to the Super Regional. Boettcher also won the collegiate Gold Glove award.
But on the gridiron with the football team, Boettcher became a key cog to the defense that led the way towards a Big Ten title and a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Boettcher started as a walk-on four years ago as he came over from South Eugene High School. Because of his outstanding senior season, Boettcher was awarded the Burlworth Trophy, given to an athlete who began his career as a walk-on.
In 2024, Boettcher leads the Ducks with 84 tackles to go along with his eight tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception.
Also up for the award were Shaun Dolac of Buffalo and Indiana’s James Carpenter. Dolac is also a linebacker which had 87 tackles, 17 for loss and 5.5 sacks. Carpenter, a defensive lineman, had 31 tackles, 10 for loss and five sacks.