Oklahoma QB Mayfield among finalists for Burlsworth Trophy; award honors players who started as walk-ons

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaps over Iowa State defensive back De'Monte Ruth, bottom, in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. The outright lead in in the Big 12 Conference is on the line when No. 5 Oklahoma hosts No. 8 TCU on Saturday (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaps over Iowa State defensive back De'Monte Ruth, bottom, in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. The outright lead in in the Big 12 Conference is on the line when No. 5 Oklahoma hosts No. 8 TCU on Saturday (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

FAYETTEVILLE — Four finalists have been chosen for the Burlsworth Trophy awarded to college football's top player who began his career as a walk-on.

Finalists for the eighth annual Burlsworth Trophy are Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, Washington State quarterback Luke Falk and Wisconsin tight end Troy Fumagalli. Mayfield received the award in 2015 and 2016.

Finalists were chosen from 63 nominees. CEO Marty Burlsworth said the selection committee's vote necessitated bringing in a fourth finalist this year for the first time. The winner will be announced Dec. 4.

The Burlsworth Award is named after former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, who worked his way from walk-on to All-American before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. He was killed in a car accident 11 days later.

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