Football
November 12, 2024
Brooks is one of 10 semifinalists and is one of just two from the SEC. The redshirt senior safety becomes the second player in program history to be named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining Nick Reveiz, who was a finalist in 2010.
The trophy is in its 15th year of existence and is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. It is awarded to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
Brooks has spent his entire collegiate career at Tennessee and is in the midst of a breakout season after growing his role each year with the team. He has started all nine games at safety while leading the Vols with three interceptions and ranking second on the team with 41 tackles. His four pass breakups also rank second on the team.
Brooks’ coverage grade of 83.6 according to PFF.com is the fourth highest in the SEC and ranks No. 22 in the FBS among safeties with at least 200 coverage snaps.
The Alabama native recorded interceptions in back-to-back SEC games against No. 7 Alabama and Kentucky after returning his first-career interception 85 yards for a touchdown in a win over NC State earlier this season. His pick against the Crimson Tide on their final offensive play sealed the victory for Tennessee in its Third Saturday in October rivalry game.
Brooks is tied for second in the SEC in interceptions and his152 interception return yards ranks second in the nation this season.
The list of semifinalists will be narrowed down to just three finalists on Nov. 19. The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and announce the 2024 winner will be held on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy and this year’s semifinalists, click HERE.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at University of Tennessee Athletics…