Jake Molinich Named a Burlsworth Trophy Nominee

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 67 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy. University at Buffalo tight end Jake Molinich was among the nominees.

The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American 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 FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.

Molinich began his UB career in 2016 as a walk on. He worked hard and has since developed into one of the best blocking tight ends in the Mid-American Conference and a key component to UB's high-octane offense. He has started 17 games over the last two seasons and has helped pave the way for the Bulls' record-breaking rushing attack.

A true testament to Molinich's hard work and role on the UB squad is the fact that he was voted a team captain by his teammates prior to this season.

In the award's eleventh year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk-On and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER", which was released in 2016.

The 2019 winner was defensive end Kenny Willekes from Michigan State University. After receiving no division one scholarship offers, Willekes walked-on at Michigan State, where he became All-American, the Big 10 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Michigan State's all-time leader in tackles for loss (51). The 2018 winner was Clemson's Hunter Renfrow, who had 186 receptions for 2133 yards and 15 touchdowns, four of which were in national championship games.

Click here for the entire list of nominees.

"A college football Walk-On faces an uphill battle from the very beginning. He has to prove himself to his coaches and teammates. He has to prove that he belongs," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon. "Beginning your college football career as a Walk-On isn't for everyone. It takes a tremendous work ethic and a great deal of determination. You have to want it! This group of Burlsworth Trophy nominees has proven to the college football world that they not only belong but can excel at the highest level of the game."

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 will host an awards ceremony virtually on January 4, 2021 to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2020 winner.

Calendar

Jake Molinich Named a Burlsworth Trophy Nominee

Players Mentioned

Jake Molinich