El Dorado student Ryan Trumbo named a Burlsworth Character Award nominee

El Dorado High School senior Ryan Trumbo is a Burlsworth Character Award 2015 Nominee. El Dorado football coach Zack LaMonda said, “I am proud to have Ryan ‘Moose’ Trumbo as part of the 2015 EDHS football team. This nomination is something to be proud of.”

THE BURLSWORTH STORY
When Brandon Burlsworth arrived on the University of Arkansas campus in 1994 as a walk-on, he had no money, no famous last name and absolutely no Division I scholarship offers. Through his unbelievable work ethic and ceaseless determination, Brandon not only earned a scholarship, but became team captain, All-SEC 1997-1998, First Team All-American in 1998 and the first All-American from the University of Arkansas in a decade. His success was not limited to the gridiron. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll 1995-1998, and was the first football player in the entire history of his school to earn a master’s degree before playing his last game. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft. Today, the University of Arkansas has created an endowment in Brandon’s name. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is engaged in various charitable endeavors, including the provision of free eye care to thousands of underprivileged children. In 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the achievements and successes of the walk-on athlete.

THE BURLSWORTH CHARACTER AWARD
The Burlsworth Character Award has been given out in Arkansas high schools for the past 10 years in recognition of outstanding character and sportsmanship, and is now going nationwide. The award honors the player who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field ,and to stand as a moral example to his team.

Congrats Ryan Trumbo!