Moon Named to Burlsworth List
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Cody Moon, a redshirt freshman from Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque was named to the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy List. The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player 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 FBS (DI) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.
The Trophy, now in its 12th year, 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 in 2016.
Moon who walked on as an under 200-pound defensive lineman was quickly shifted to linebacker, and he redshirted the 2020 season. In 2021, he has played in all eight games and recorded 27 tackles, the most for any non-starter on the team. He is second among Lobo linebackers in tackles, and he has a half-sack, an interception, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Moon was placed on scholarship late in 2021 Fall Camp. He is one of nine Mountain West players on among the 88 nominees. The 2020 Burlsworth Trophy winner was center Jimmy Morrissey from the University of Pittsburgh.
“What a privilege it is to recognize these young men each year, those that chose to take on the challenge of beginning their college career as a walk-on,” said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon. “We are excited to celebrate the achievements of these 88 players nominated for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. These extraordinary young men have put in the work and have earned this honor.”
Without one DI 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 Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2021 winner will on December 6 at 7:00pm CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Moon and the Lobos take on UNLV on Saturday at 5 p.m. at University Stadium in a Homecoming Matchup that is also UNM’s Salute to Service game. Tickets can be purchased here.