Nevada defensive end Sam Hammond has come a long way since joining the Wolf Pack as a mostly unheralded prospect out of Yerington.
Now, Hammond — a scholarship player since mid-2018 and one of the Mountain West’s top defensive linemen — finds himself in the running for one of college football’s unique awards. Earlier this week, Hammond was named as a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s outstanding player to begin his career as a walk-on.
The award is named for former Arkansas offensive guard Brandon Burlsworth, who went from walk-on to All-American recognition during his time with the Razorbacks (1994-1998).