That young man was walk-on and subsequently an All-American, drafted into the NFL.
Scholarship and Awards[edit]
Memorial Scholarships[edit]
Each year the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels. Eighteen students at the University of Arkansas who are primarily from smaller towns and who are characterized as academic "overachievers" receive $5,000 scholarships. Additionally, a Razorback football player who began his career as a walk-on, but then earned a football scholarship, is honored as the year's Burlsworth Athletic Scholar. The students are selected by the University of Arkansas Scholarship Committee and are recognized in a ceremony in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
High School Football Awards[edit]
High School awards include the Brandon Burlsworth High School Football Awards. Every high school football coach in Arkansas has the opportunity to nominate one player from the team. Those players receive a plaque and a copy of "Through the Eyes of A Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" autographed by Brandon's mother, Barbara Burlsworth. An even greater honor, the Brandon Burlsworth Championship Award is presented at the Arkansas state football championships games to one player from each team for conduct above and beyond expectations.
State Championship Awards[edit]
Harrison (Arkansas) High School continues to award the Brandon Burlsworth Award to one male and female athlete who best exemplify the strength of character and work ethic known as "The Burls Way".[12]
Brandon Burlsworth Award[edit]
The Brandon Burlsworth Award is given out yearly to a male and female at Harrison High School and the University of Arkansas.
Burlsworth Trophy[edit]
Burlsworth Trophy - Sculpted By Raymond G. Gibby of Nobility Bronze, Pea Ridge AR
In 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy was created and named in his honor.[13] The award is given yearly to the most outstanding Division I FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on.