Tyler Lavine nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Lavine Nominated For Burlsworth Trophy

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (SMU) – Mustang Tyler Lavine was today announced as a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a Walk-On and has shown outstanding performance on the field.

Lavine has played in nine games this season, registering 61 rushing attempts for 310 yards and five touchdowns. He had a career high in rushing yards (74) and touchdowns (2) in SMU's win over Navy, and went on to match the TD total at ECU. He adds eight receptions for 93 yards and has one fumble recovery.

He has played in 22 games on the Hilltop over two seasons and has 70 career carries for 348 yards and six touchdowns. As a special teams contributor, he adds 11 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Lavine suffered a broken foot his senior year of high school, underwent surgery and originally committed to Army West Point. He attended prep school there from 2017-18. Going into his freshman year, he broke his foot again in basic training (2018).

During a physical, he noted chest pains and it was discovered he had Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a fatal heart condition. Due to the condition, he was sent home for a year and underwent both foot and heart surgery.

While home, he decided to pursue other options and looked at SMU for the great education, program and location. He ended up on the Hilltop in the spring of 2019 as a walk-on and earned a scholarship with the Mustangs in January of 2020.

In the award's eleventh year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk-On and All-American offensive lineman. 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.