If there was ever a national college football award that should be dominated by Wisconsin, it’s the Burlsworth Trophy.
The award is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding player who started their career as a walk-on. It’s named for Brandon Burlsworth, who became an All-American after he walked on to the University of Arkansas football team in 1994.
Wisconsin defensive end Matt Henningsen has been named a Burlsworth Trophy finalist for 2021 after a tremendous first half of the season. Wisconsin’s defensive line has led the Badgers to becoming one of the nation’s premier rushing defenses. The Wisconsin native has a pair of sacks on the season to go along with nine total tackles.
The Burlsworth Trophy winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 7. Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis took home the honor in 2013.