FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a remarkable performance in Tennessee’s victory over rival Alabama, the Burlsworth Trophy announced Tuesday that Tennessee redshirt senior defensive back Will Brooks has been selected as the award’s Walk-On of the Week for week eight of the college football season.
The safety from Birmingham, Alabama, was a crucial contributor to Tennessee’s stout defensive effort this past Saturday. He led all Volunteers with eight tackles (five solo), two of which saved touchdowns, and added one tackle for loss as the Vols beat the Crimson Tide, 24-17.
Brooks iced the game with a diving interception, his second of the season, with 1:24 to play, and Tennessee was able to run out the clock for the victory. He also made a critical shoestring tackle in the first quarter on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe that prevented a long touchdown.
According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks was the highest graded defender in the game at 84.1.
The Burlsworth Trophy, named in honor of former Arkansas Razorback Brandon Burlsworth, annually recognizes the most outstanding college football player who began his FBS career as a walk-on. All Burlsworth Trophy nominees are selected by their respective schools, and the winner is set to be announced in early December.
