Parker White Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

University of South Carolina senior placekicker Parker White is one of 67 Division I (FBS) student-athletes nominated for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy, it was announced today.
 
In the award’s 11th year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth’s life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER”, which was released in 2016.  The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American 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 with FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.
 
White, a 6-5, 195-pounder from Mount Pleasant, S.C., has scored 290 career points, third on Carolina’s all-time list. He also ranks third in school with 56 field goals made, tied for third with 81 field goals attempted, second with 122 extra points made and second with 124 extra points attempted. He has five career game-winning fields goals in the fourth quarter or later. White, who came to Carolina without a scholarship, joined the team in his second semester on campus in the spring of 2017. He took over the placekicking duties on a full-time basis in the fourth game of the season and has held that position ever since.
 
“A college football walk-on faces an uphill battle from the very beginning. He has to prove himself to his coaches and teammates. He has to prove that he belongs,” said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon. “Beginning your college football career as a walk-on isn’t for everyone. It takes a tremendous work ethic and a great deal of determination. You have to want it! This group of Burlsworth Trophy nominees has proven to the college football world that they not only belong but can excel at the highest level of the game.”
 
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 Burlsworth Trophy will host an awards ceremony virtually on January 4, 2021 to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2020 winner.