Photo by: Ross Turteltaub
Schwesinger Named Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist
November 12, 2024 | Football
LOS ANGELES โ Redshirt junior linebacker Carson Schwesinger on the UCLA football team was one of 10 student-athletes across the country named a Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist, the selection committee announced Tuesday. The Burlsworth Trophy was first awarded in 2010 and is presented each year to college football's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
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Schwesinger, a bio engineering major, joined the UCLA program in 2021 and earned a scholarship prior to the 2022 season. Schwesinger was also named a Butkus Award Semifinalist on Nov. 4. The award recognizes the top linebacker in the country.
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Earlier today, Schwesinger was named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week. Schwesinger recorded the first two interceptions of his career in the Bruins' 20-17 win over Iowa on Homecoming at the Rose Bowl last Friday. The Moorpark, Calif. native finished with seven tackles (5-2-7) in the contest. His performance earned him the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career on Monday. Schwesinger's performance against the Hawkeyes earned a season-high grade of 94.3 from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which led all defenders from "Power 4" conferences and was the second-highest mark in the FBS. He was also named to the PFF National Team of the Week.
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Schwesinger leads the Big Ten in total tackles per game (10.2), solo tackles per game (6.6), solo tackles (59) and double-digit tackle performances (6). His streak of six straight games with 10-plus tackles came to an end against Iowa. That streak is good for the longest by a Bruin since Eric Kendricks in 2014, who won the Butkus Award that season. Schwesinger has led UCLA in tackles in seven of its nine games this season.
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On the year, Schwesinger has totaled 92 total tackles (59-33-92), 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Watch Carson Schwesinger's 2024 season highlights at this link.
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About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one NCAA Division I scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Arkansas football team in 1994, worked his way to being 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, particularly those children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation's work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
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The Burlsworth Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.
2024 Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalists
Josh Cameron, Baylor, WR
Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, LB
James Carpenter, Indiana, DL
Kaden Wetjen, Iowa, WR/KR/PR
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, LB
Sean Atkins, South Florida, WR
Will Brooks, Tennessee, S
Michael Taaffe, Texas, DB
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, LB
Jackson Woodard, UNLV, LB
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TICKETS TO UCLA HOME GAMES AT THE ROSE BOWL
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' inaugural Big Ten season are now available. Fans can clickย HEREย or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via emailย at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emailsย HEREย to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
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Schwesinger, a bio engineering major, joined the UCLA program in 2021 and earned a scholarship prior to the 2022 season. Schwesinger was also named a Butkus Award Semifinalist on Nov. 4. The award recognizes the top linebacker in the country.
ย
Earlier today, Schwesinger was named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week. Schwesinger recorded the first two interceptions of his career in the Bruins' 20-17 win over Iowa on Homecoming at the Rose Bowl last Friday. The Moorpark, Calif. native finished with seven tackles (5-2-7) in the contest. His performance earned him the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career on Monday. Schwesinger's performance against the Hawkeyes earned a season-high grade of 94.3 from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which led all defenders from "Power 4" conferences and was the second-highest mark in the FBS. He was also named to the PFF National Team of the Week.
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Schwesinger leads the Big Ten in total tackles per game (10.2), solo tackles per game (6.6), solo tackles (59) and double-digit tackle performances (6). His streak of six straight games with 10-plus tackles came to an end against Iowa. That streak is good for the longest by a Bruin since Eric Kendricks in 2014, who won the Butkus Award that season. Schwesinger has led UCLA in tackles in seven of its nine games this season.
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On the year, Schwesinger has totaled 92 total tackles (59-33-92), 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Watch Carson Schwesinger's 2024 season highlights at this link.
ย
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one NCAA Division I scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Arkansas football team in 1994, worked his way to being 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, particularly those children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation's work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
ย
The Burlsworth Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.
2024 Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalists
Josh Cameron, Baylor, WR
Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, LB
James Carpenter, Indiana, DL
Kaden Wetjen, Iowa, WR/KR/PR
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, LB
Sean Atkins, South Florida, WR
Will Brooks, Tennessee, S
Michael Taaffe, Texas, DB
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, LB
Jackson Woodard, UNLV, LB
ย
TICKETS TO UCLA HOME GAMES AT THE ROSE BOWL
Various ticket packages, including season, mini-plan and single-game tickets, for the Bruins' inaugural Big Ten season are now available. Fans can clickย HEREย or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via emailย at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information on personalized ticket options.
Sign up for UCLA Athletics emailsย HEREย to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more.
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