LJ Santa Maria
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Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. It's named after Bran- don Burlsworth, a walk on at the University of Arkansas, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. Eleven days after being drafted by the Colts, Burlsworth was killed in a car crash.
This award did not come easy to McGloin who was one of 50 finalists nominated. The 50 were then whittled down to three finalists. San Jose State offensive tackle David Quessenberry and Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs were the runners up to McGloin. The decision, which included a small percentage of fans voting, was finalized by a selection committee who ultimately picked the winner.
McGloin has had one of the most scrutinized college careers in recent memory, one that took him on the highest of highs and the lowest oflows. Bill O’Brien can be credited with a lot of McGloin's success this season, turning him into a completely different football player. He completed a career-high 60.5 percent of his passes while leading the Big Ten in passing yards (3266) and passing touchdowns (24). He also ran for five touchdowns and only threw five interceptions all year.
"This award is special, because it recognizes how far people have come and their journey to get there. If not for my family, my coaches and teammates at Penn State, it wouldn't have been possible to be considered for this honor," said McGloin.
Jake Stiles, sophomore at Penn State said, "McGloin worked hard his entire career and improved season to season. He deserves this award; he is an inspirational leader and proved to the college football world that he is an elite collegiate quarterback."
Whether you are a McGloin fan, a Penn State fan, or simply a hater, you have to give credit where credit is due. Matt McGloin deserved this award, not only for his phenomenal season between the white lines, but also for his commendable honor and loyalty to stay with a school and program that gave him the chance he dreamed about.
He was nothing but a redhead quarterback with limited talent from Scranton, but Penn State saw something in him. McGloin did more than repay the University for the Chance they gave him. Congrats Matt.