SPRINGDALE, Ark., Dec. 3, 2018 – Monday, Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow was named ninth winner of the Burlsworth Trophy in Springdale, Ark. at a ceremony hosted by the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club.
 
The award is given to the nation’s most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on. On hand to present the trophy to Renfrow was Marty Burlsworth, Chairman and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy.
 
The Burlsworth Trophy Presentation ceremony was held at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center
Renfrow has caught 41 passes for 472 yards and a touchdown through 13 games this season for the second-ranked Tigers (13-0). He caught a 17-yard touchdown pass in Clemson’s 49-21 victory against Georgia Tech. Renfrow, who walked on after receiving multiple FCS scholarship offers, but no offers from Division I schools, appeared at wide receiver, punter and quarterback in a victory against Wake Forest. Renfrow, 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, is averaging 11.0 yards per reception with a long of 40 yards for the second-ranked Tigers and last year was a third-team All-ACC selection. Last season Renfrow caught 60 passes for 602 yards and 3 touchdowns. Renfrow, who has four touchdown receptions in two national title game appearances against Alabama, graduated in May with a degree in economics.
Other finalists for the award were University of California running back Patrick Laird, and the University of Wyoming safety Marcus Epps.

Past Burlsworth Trophy winners include:

•          2017- Luke Falk, Quarterback- Washington State
•          2016- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback- Oklahoma
•          2015- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback- Oklahoma
•          2014- Justin Hardy, Receiver- East Carolina
•          2013- Jared Abbrederis, Receiver- Wisconsin
•          2012- Matt McGloin, Quarterback- Penn State
•          2011- Austin Davis, Quarterback- Southern Mississippi
•          2010- Sean Bedford, Center- Georgia Tech

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being 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 that have limited opportunities. Brandon Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER", which was released in 2016.  
 
***For all Burlsworth Trophy logos and photos, please download from the following link: https://filetransfer.mitchcommgroup.com/message/Ef0dOU6xuKn27D6qfLp5c1
 
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit www.burlsworthtrophy.com.