(WXYZ) — Michigan State senior defensive end Kenny Willekes was awarded the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on.
Willekes was among three finalists for the award, which was announced on Monday. The other two were California safety Ashtyn Davis and Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship.
Willekes had 69 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his senior season with the Spartans. He finished his career with 219 tackles, 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks, plus an interception, four fumble recoveries and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former walk-on and All-American offensive lineman at Arkansas. This is the tenth year it has been awarded.
