FAYETTEVILLE, AR. -- University of Maryland defensive lineman Greg Rose is a nominee for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy, it was announced today.
In the award's 12th year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-America offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER," which was released in 2016. The Burlsworth Trophy is 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. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with an FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department. 88 players from throughout the country were selected as nominees.
Rose, a senior defensive lineman for the Terps, has played in all eight games this season with five starts as a key contributor to the Maryland defense. The senior stands third on the team with three sacks and has 17 tackles (12 solo). Rose was crucial in Maryland's win over Illinois on September 17, posting back-to-back sacks with the game tied for a loss of 18 yards on Illini QB Brandon Peters to help give the Terps possession, leading to the game winning field goal.
The Los Angeles, CA. native had a unique path to Maryland. After playing at local high school powerhouse DeMatha Catholic, Rose received no FBS offers and played at Robert Morris for one year before starring at Lackawanna College, helping lead them to the NEFC Junior College Championship. Rose came to Maryland as a walk-on prior to the 2020 season and appeared in two games during the COVID-19 shortened season. Prior to the 2021 season, Rose was awarded a scholarship for his hard work and play during the spring and training camp, being told via zoom in front of the entire time by basketball star Kevin Durant.
Rose earned a start in the first game of the season against West Virginia, posting two tackles, and hasn't looked back, appearing in every game since.
"What a privilege it is to recognize these young men each year, those that chose to take on the challenge of beginning their college career as a walk-on," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon. "We are excited to celebrate the achievements of these 88 players nominated for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. These extraordinary young men have put in the work and have earned this honor."
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 award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2021 winner will take place on December 6 at 7 pm CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
In the award's 12th year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-America offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER," which was released in 2016. The Burlsworth Trophy is 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. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with an FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department. 88 players from throughout the country were selected as nominees.
Rose, a senior defensive lineman for the Terps, has played in all eight games this season with five starts as a key contributor to the Maryland defense. The senior stands third on the team with three sacks and has 17 tackles (12 solo). Rose was crucial in Maryland's win over Illinois on September 17, posting back-to-back sacks with the game tied for a loss of 18 yards on Illini QB Brandon Peters to help give the Terps possession, leading to the game winning field goal.
The Los Angeles, CA. native had a unique path to Maryland. After playing at local high school powerhouse DeMatha Catholic, Rose received no FBS offers and played at Robert Morris for one year before starring at Lackawanna College, helping lead them to the NEFC Junior College Championship. Rose came to Maryland as a walk-on prior to the 2020 season and appeared in two games during the COVID-19 shortened season. Prior to the 2021 season, Rose was awarded a scholarship for his hard work and play during the spring and training camp, being told via zoom in front of the entire time by basketball star Kevin Durant.
Rose earned a start in the first game of the season against West Virginia, posting two tackles, and hasn't looked back, appearing in every game since.
"What a privilege it is to recognize these young men each year, those that chose to take on the challenge of beginning their college career as a walk-on," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon. "We are excited to celebrate the achievements of these 88 players nominated for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. These extraordinary young men have put in the work and have earned this honor."
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 award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2021 winner will take place on December 6 at 7 pm CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
