South Carolina TE Maurice Brown II Named Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
For the second consecutive season, South Carolina tight end Maurice Brown II earns a nomination for a major season award.
Sep 19, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Maurice Brown II (44) celebrates a touchdown reception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
South Carolina tight end Maurice Brown II is named a Burlsworth Trohpy nominee for the second season in a row on Friday.
Brown does his best work as a blocker, helping the Gamecocks lead the SEC in rushing with 217.5 yards per game on the ground. South Carolina's 5.65 rushing yards per attempt is second in the conference.
Nov 22, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer celebrates a play with South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Maurice Brown II (44) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The trophy was named after Brandon Burlsworth who was a Walk-On at the University of Arkansas in the mid-1990s. Coming out of high school, Burlsworth had no scholarship offers, however his work ethic earned him a scholarship with the Razorbacks.
During his career, he was named a team captain, All-SEC 1997-1998, First Team All-SEC 1998, Football News First Team All-American in 1998, and the first All-American from the University of Arkansas in a decade. Burlsworth was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, only to pass away in a car accident 11 days after the draft.
"In 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the achievements and successes of the Walk-On athlete. It is presented annually to the Most Outstanding player who began his career as a Walk-On."