Photo by: Charles Wainwright
Szmyt Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
10/30/2018 2:36:00 PM | Football
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Syracuse redshirt freshman kicker Andre Szmyt is one of 69 nominees for the 2018 Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The award is presented to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on.
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Szmyt, who was awarded a scholarship six games into the 2018 season, leads the FBS in scoring (103 points) and he's tied for the national lead with 21 made field goals. Szmyt has connected on 21-of-23 (.913) field goals this season. He is perfect (14-14) from inside 40 yards and has three 50+ yard field goals, including a career-long kick of 54 yards at Pittsburgh. Szmyt has also made all 40 of his extra points.
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Through eight games, Szmyt already holds the Orange single-season records for field goals made and points by kicking.
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The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth who 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 with 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 who have limited opportunities.
"We are now in our ninth year of this award and I'm amazed at the inspiring stories we hear each year," said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and Brandon's older brother. "Beginning your college career as a walk-on is certainly not an easy thing to do. These young men accepted that challenge. When others told them 'you can't', they said 'I can.'"
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with the Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 3 in Springdale, Ark. to honor the three finalists and announce this year's winner.
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Former Washington State quarterback Luke Falk won the award last year. In 2015 and 2016, the trophy went to former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.
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For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).
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Szmyt, who was awarded a scholarship six games into the 2018 season, leads the FBS in scoring (103 points) and he's tied for the national lead with 21 made field goals. Szmyt has connected on 21-of-23 (.913) field goals this season. He is perfect (14-14) from inside 40 yards and has three 50+ yard field goals, including a career-long kick of 54 yards at Pittsburgh. Szmyt has also made all 40 of his extra points.
Â
Through eight games, Szmyt already holds the Orange single-season records for field goals made and points by kicking.
Â
The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth who 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 with 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 who have limited opportunities.
"We are now in our ninth year of this award and I'm amazed at the inspiring stories we hear each year," said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and Brandon's older brother. "Beginning your college career as a walk-on is certainly not an easy thing to do. These young men accepted that challenge. When others told them 'you can't', they said 'I can.'"
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with the Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 3 in Springdale, Ark. to honor the three finalists and announce this year's winner.
Â
Former Washington State quarterback Luke Falk won the award last year. In 2015 and 2016, the trophy went to former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.
  Â
For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).
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