Tennessee Defensive Back Named Burlsworth Semifinalist
Credit: University of Tennessee Athletics
By Tucker Harlin
One of the most likable stories in the Tennessee football program is in the mix for national recognition at the end of the season.
Vols safety Will Brooks was named a Burlsworth trophy semifinalist Tuesday, an accolade bestowed upon the best player in college football to start his career as a walk-on.
Congratulations to @willbrooks27 on being named a 2024 Burlsworth Trophy πππ¦π’ππ’π§ππ₯π’π¬π.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 12, 2024
π° Β» https://t.co/R9PaXVYgsn@BurlsworthTrust | #GBO π pic.twitter.com/BzCBtFLk0G
The trophy is named for the late Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, a player who started his college career as a walk-on and ended it as an All-American. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident shortly after he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
Brooks has come up strong for Tennessee in several instances this season. He started the season off with this pick six in the Volsβ 51-10 win over NC State:
WALK ON WILL BROOKS WITH THE PICK SIX#Vole take two score lead over NC State π
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) September 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/2RYNr1Yxkc
Brooks opened Tennesseeβs win over Alabama with a tackle for loss, tackled Jalen Milroe by a shoestring to prevent a long touchdown run, and ended it with a pick. Keep in mind, Brooks is an Alabama native.
Will Brooks played high school football 65 miles from the University of Alabama campus.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) October 19, 2024
However, the school didn't offer him a scholarship, so he walked on at Tennessee.
Now, he intercepts Jalen Milroe to hand Alabama its second loss this season.
Crazy.pic.twitter.com/5ngcnY4rrG
Brooksβ last big feat was this pick in the win over Kentucky.
Will Brooks is that guy.
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) November 3, 2024
His 3rd interception of the season. #Vols pic.twitter.com/zLoPyzcmkR
