Fentress Named Nominee for Burlsworth Trophy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior safety Nantambu-Akil Fentress was announced as one of 55 nominees for the 2014 Burlsworth Trophy, recognizing a player who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
Fentress has seen action in 41 games since walking onto the team prior to the 2011 season. He has blossomed in his final year, starting five games in the secondary and ranking sixth on the team with 33 tackles (22 solo). He also has two tackles for loss.
Over his career, Fentress has totaled 62 tackles, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being 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.
“As we enter our fifth year of the Burlsworth Trophy, I am again impressed by the quality of committed athletes that have been selected,” said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and older brother of Brandon. “They each represent what the Burlsworth Trophy stands for: hard work, dedication to a sport and to their school and above all else, a commitment to excel at the highest level.”
Fentress was one of five players from the ACC nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining Michael Sobeski (Clemson), Mack Hollins (North Carolina), Riley Dixon (Syracuse) and Hunter Williams (Wake Forest).
The Springdale Rotary Club will host a banquet on Dec. 8th in Springdale, Ark. to honor the finalists and to announce the 2014 winner. For more information, visit BurlsworthTrophy.com.
