TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Senior tight end Michael Nysewander is one of 55 players nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced Tuesday. The Burlsworth Trophy is annually presented to the nation’s most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
Nysewander has filled a role on offense as a blocker at fullback and tight end, while opening holes for one of the SEC’s top rushing attacks. The walk-on has also become one of the Crimson Tide’s top defenders on kickoff coverage, tying for the team lead with five stops. He earned special teams player of the week honors from the Alabama coaching staff for his efforts against Middle Tennessee.