ORLANDO - The Burlsworth Trophy announced the players nominated from Division I (FBS) schools across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy, and UCF's Anthony Montalvo was among the nominees.
The Burlsworth Trophy, in its 12th year, is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. The award 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.
Montalvo began his career at UCF as a walk-on, but was put on scholarship during the 2019 season. As a sophomore in 2019, he played in all 13 games and started seven times at defensive tackle. He totaled 24 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks that season.
Last year, Montalvo started all 10 games, again finishing with 24 tackles and added 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery. In 2021, he already has 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
There are currently 88 nominees for the award. The ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2021 winner will be on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET in Bentonville, Arkansas.