Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tanner Knue Named Nominee For Burlsworth Trophy
10/31/2023 4:55:00 PM | Football
Award is given annually to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (EMUEagles.com) – Former walk-on and current Eastern Michigan University football starting wide receiver Tanner Knue (Mason, Ohio/Mason) has been named a nominee for the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy, given annually to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on.
The award, which is in its 14th year, is named after Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Knue is one of 73 nominees from FBS schools with the winner being named on Dec. 4.
Knue ranks third in Eastern Michigan history with 17 receiving touchdowns while placing sixth in receptions at 141 and eighth in receiving yards with 1,758. All told, he has played in 33 contests, recording 28 starts.
Most recently, Knue caught five passes for 66 yards against Western Michigan, Oct. 28, to run his streak to 33 games in a row with at least one reception. He is one of 16 current active players in the FBS with a streak of at least 30 games in a row with at least one catch and is tied for the 10th-longest active streak.
Knue walked on to the team in 2018 before seeing his first action in 2019. In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he ranked 11th in the Mid-American Conference in receptions (27) and receiving yards per game (68.8). He posted a team-best four touchdown catches, including a pair of touchdown passes in a 53-42 road win at Western Michigan (Dec. 5). Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Knue was surprised with a scholarship prior to the Toledo game (Nov. 18).
In 2021, he appeared in five games after coming off of an injury. Knue amassed 342 receiving yards on 32 receptions for one touchdown.
Last year, Knue earned Third Team All-MAC accolades and was named an Academic All-District honoree by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). He saw action in 12 games with 45 receptions for 632 yards and nine touchdowns. His nine touchdowns tied for third most in a single season in EMU football history.
"Once again, a tremendous group of former walk-on players are up for the Burlsworth Trophy," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. "These young men have not only shown their diligence, but they had to work extra hard just for the opportunity to contribute to their teams. They did it the Burls Way; they earned it!"
Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994. He became 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.
The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2023 winner will be on Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
The award, which is in its 14th year, is named after Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Knue is one of 73 nominees from FBS schools with the winner being named on Dec. 4.
Knue ranks third in Eastern Michigan history with 17 receiving touchdowns while placing sixth in receptions at 141 and eighth in receiving yards with 1,758. All told, he has played in 33 contests, recording 28 starts.
Most recently, Knue caught five passes for 66 yards against Western Michigan, Oct. 28, to run his streak to 33 games in a row with at least one reception. He is one of 16 current active players in the FBS with a streak of at least 30 games in a row with at least one catch and is tied for the 10th-longest active streak.
Knue walked on to the team in 2018 before seeing his first action in 2019. In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he ranked 11th in the Mid-American Conference in receptions (27) and receiving yards per game (68.8). He posted a team-best four touchdown catches, including a pair of touchdown passes in a 53-42 road win at Western Michigan (Dec. 5). Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Knue was surprised with a scholarship prior to the Toledo game (Nov. 18).
In 2021, he appeared in five games after coming off of an injury. Knue amassed 342 receiving yards on 32 receptions for one touchdown.
Last year, Knue earned Third Team All-MAC accolades and was named an Academic All-District honoree by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). He saw action in 12 games with 45 receptions for 632 yards and nine touchdowns. His nine touchdowns tied for third most in a single season in EMU football history.
"Once again, a tremendous group of former walk-on players are up for the Burlsworth Trophy," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. "These young men have not only shown their diligence, but they had to work extra hard just for the opportunity to contribute to their teams. They did it the Burls Way; they earned it!"
Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994. He became 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.
The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2023 winner will be on Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
Players Mentioned
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