BJ Green was a walk-on. He emerged as the team’s sack leader in his Freshman year in 2021. Since then, he’s continued to rack up sacks and become one of the best defensive ends in College Football. Due to that, he has been named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth trophy.
The Burlsworth trophy is given to the best player in the country who started their career as a walk-on. The award is named for Brian Burlsworth, a former All-American for Arkansas, who was a walk-on. Burlsworth tragically passed away in a car accident only weeks after being drafted into the NFL.
BJ Green is currently sitting at six sacks this year. He has 10 QB hits and 39 tackles. Despite ASU not performing well this year, what Green has done has been exceptional. He has gone from a 3-star walk-on to a star here at ASU. Not to mention being an incredible student in the classroom. BJ Green is only a Junior. He will continue to build his legacy.
Green will be up against stiff competition for the Burlsworth trophy, including Utah QB Bryson Barnes, Washington State LB Kyle Thornton, and Missouri RB Cody Schraeder.