Will Brooks Named Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week

(Courtesy / UT Athletics)

Will Brooks Named Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a remarkable performance in Tennessee’s victory over rival Alabama, the Burlsworth Trophy announced Tuesday that Tennessee redshirt senior defensive back Will Brooks has been selected as the award’s Walk-On of the Week for week eight of the college football season.

The safety from Birmingham, Alabama, was a crucial contributor to Tennessee’s stout defensive effort this past Saturday. He led all Volunteers with eight tackles (five solo), two of which saved touchdowns, and added one tackle for loss as the Vols beat the Crimson Tide, 24-17.

Brooks iced the game with a diving interception, his second of the season, with 1:24 to play, and Tennessee was able to run out the clock for the victory. He also made a critical shoestring tackle in the first quarter on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe that prevented a long touchdown.

According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks was the highest graded defender in the game at 84.1.

The Burlsworth Trophy, named in honor of former Arkansas Razorback Brandon Burlsworth, annually recognizes the most outstanding college football player who began his FBS career as a walk-on. All Burlsworth Trophy nominees are selected by their respective schools, and the winner is set to be announced in early December.

Headlines

What's happening

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Don’t miss Tennessee’s Largest Pop Culture Event, Fanboy Expo on July 11th-13th, 2025 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Come see why over 30,000 fans have attended our Summer events featuring Celebrity Guests, Comic Industry Pros, Cosplay, Vendors, Live Entertainment and much more!

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Update: Congratulations to Childhelp Tennessee (Knoxville Services)! They have won a fresh coat of paint up $10,000 from Sherman Williams and McLain’s Painting! Thanks to all those who nominated their favorite Non-profits as yet again it was an extremely tough decision with many great candidates! Painting of the Childhelp Knoxville location will take place on July 19th by McLain’s Painting.