The University of Akron Athletics

Akron’s Hauser Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
November 02 | Football
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Akron senior linebacker Andrew Hauser (Mason, Ohio) is one of 63 nominees for the 2017 Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced.
In the its eighth year, the Burlsworth Trophy is given 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 nominee must have begun his first season of participation with a Division I FBS football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.
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 last year.
"In the eighth year of this award, I continue to be in awe of the work ethic and determination of all our nominees." said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and older brother of Brandon. "Beginning their college career as a walk-on and overcoming incredible obstacles is truly inspiring."
Without one D-I 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 Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on December 4, 2017, in Springdale, Ark., to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2017 winner.
A fifth-year season, Hauser began his collegiate career at Akron as a walk-on. He was awarded a scholarship following the team's victory in the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
This fall, Hauser has started all nine games at at Mike linebacker. He has 39 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a blocked PAT. In the win over Ball State, Hauser made his first career interception. He finished with a career-high 13 tackles en route to MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors from College Sports Madness. Hauser was named the team's Defensive MVP and Most Improved in the Weight Room following spring drills.
Akron switches to Tuesday night action for all of November. Under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Terry Bowden, Akron (5-4overall, 4-1 MAC) travels to Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The next home game is Nov. 14, against Ohio at 7 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field.
Tickets are available for purchase by calling or texting 1-888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Group tickets start at $10 each (with a minimum of 15 people).
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Akron senior linebacker Andrew Hauser (Mason, Ohio) is one of 63 nominees for the 2017 Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced.
In the its eighth year, the Burlsworth Trophy is given 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 nominee must have begun his first season of participation with a Division I FBS football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.
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 last year.
"In the eighth year of this award, I continue to be in awe of the work ethic and determination of all our nominees." said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and older brother of Brandon. "Beginning their college career as a walk-on and overcoming incredible obstacles is truly inspiring."
Without one D-I 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 Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on December 4, 2017, in Springdale, Ark., to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2017 winner.
A fifth-year season, Hauser began his collegiate career at Akron as a walk-on. He was awarded a scholarship following the team's victory in the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
This fall, Hauser has started all nine games at at Mike linebacker. He has 39 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a blocked PAT. In the win over Ball State, Hauser made his first career interception. He finished with a career-high 13 tackles en route to MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors from College Sports Madness. Hauser was named the team's Defensive MVP and Most Improved in the Weight Room following spring drills.
Akron switches to Tuesday night action for all of November. Under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Terry Bowden, Akron (5-4overall, 4-1 MAC) travels to Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The next home game is Nov. 14, against Ohio at 7 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field.
Tickets are available for purchase by calling or texting 1-888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Group tickets start at $10 each (with a minimum of 15 people).
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