Columbia Standard

University of South Carolina former walk-on Jaylan Foster has been tabbed as one of 88 finalists for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy.

Named in honor of University of Arkansas walk-on and All-America offensive linemen Brandon Burlsworth, the award is now in its 12th year and is presented 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 player nominated for the award is also required to have begun his first season of play with an FBS (Division 1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of the 2016 movie "Greater."

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Foster spent a season at Gardner-Webb, where he was named the Big South Conference Freshmen of the Year, before transferring to South Carolina in 2017 and joining the program as a walk-on, according to gamecocksonline.com.

Foster worked his way up from the scout team to being a special teams’ regular and finally as a starter. He currently leads the NCAA in interceptions with five and ranks fourth in the SEC in tackles. The sixth-year senior is also one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes that nation's top defensive back.

"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," Marty Burlsworth, president and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy, and older brother of Brandon, said. "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."

After not receiving a single D1 one scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994, ultimately becoming a three-year starter and a 1998 All-American. He was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. 

The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory with the mission of supporting the physical and spiritual needs of children, especially those deemed to have limited opportunities.

The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony honoring the three finalists and to salute the 2021 winner will take place Dec. 6 at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.