Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Courtney Metzger
Smith named Burlsworth Trophy nominee
11/5/2019 4:00:00 PM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State junior center Matt Smith was named on Tuesday as one of 83 nominees for the 10th annual Burlsworth Trophy, announced by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. The annual award is given to college football's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
Smith, who entered his fourth year with the program this fall as a walk-on, saw his first game action in 2018 as a special teams contributor and would later be named to the Fall Academic All-Mountain West team as well as a MW scholar-athlete.
Behind a strong work ethic, on the field and in the classroom, Smith earned first-team reps in fall camp this past August and would eventually be named a starter. Shortly thereafter, Smith was awarded a scholarship.
Smith started the first eight games at center for the 2019 team and has been a team captain for the Bulldogs over the last five games.
Smith carries a 3.89 GPA and is majoring in business administration with a focus in sports marketing.
For the full list of nominees and additional information, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Smith, who entered his fourth year with the program this fall as a walk-on, saw his first game action in 2018 as a special teams contributor and would later be named to the Fall Academic All-Mountain West team as well as a MW scholar-athlete.
Behind a strong work ethic, on the field and in the classroom, Smith earned first-team reps in fall camp this past August and would eventually be named a starter. Shortly thereafter, Smith was awarded a scholarship.
Smith started the first eight games at center for the 2019 team and has been a team captain for the Bulldogs over the last five games.
Smith carries a 3.89 GPA and is majoring in business administration with a focus in sports marketing.
For the full list of nominees and additional information, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Players Mentioned
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