FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tennessee defensive back Will Brooks was named a 2024 Burlsworth Trophy nominee on Tuesday afternoon.
The trophy is in its 15th year of existence and is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. It is awarded to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
Brooks, a redshirt senior who has spent his entire collegiate career at UT, is in the midst of a breakout season. He has started all eight games at safety this year while leading the Vols with three interceptions and ranking second on the team with 37 tackles. His seven passes defended also rank second on the team.
Brooks’ coverage grade of 84.8 according to PFF is the fifth highest in the SEC and tied for 18th best in the FBS among safeties with at least 150 coverage snaps.
The Alabama native recorded interceptions in back-to-back SEC games against No. 7 Alabama and Kentucky after returning his first-career interception 85 yards for a touchdown in a win over NC State earlier this season. His pick against the Crimson Tide on their final offensive play sealed the victory for Tennessee in its Third Saturday in October rivalry game. Brooks leads the SEC and ranks second in the nation with 152 interception return yards this season.
The list of 78 candidates will be narrowed down as the semifinalists are slated to be announced on Nov. 12 before three finalists will be named on Nov. 19.
The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and announce the 2024 winner will be held on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy and this year’s nominees, click HERE.
