Milne named Burlsworth Trophy finalist

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — BYU junior receiver Dax Milne has been named one of three finalists for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding football player who began his collegiate career as a walk-on. 

Joining Milne as the other finalists are University of Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan and University of Pittsburgh center Jimmy Morrissey. A total of 67 universities from across the nation nominated a player for the Burlsworth Trophy. That list was narrowed to 10 semifinalists on Dec. 15. 

Milne, who is currently No. 4 in the nation in receiving with 1,118 yards, was named second-team All-America on Dec. 21 by Pro Football Focus and was also a semifinalist for the 2020 Belitnikoff Award. He leads BYU with 63 receptions and has eight touchdowns. Milne is averaging 101.6 yards per game, 17.7 yards a catch and has compiled six 100-yard receiving games in 2020. 

At 6-1, 190-pounds, Milne is the 17th receiver in BYU history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in a season. His 1,118 yards so far this year currently ranks seventh-best all-time at BYU. Milne set career marks with nine receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns in BYU's 43-26 comeback victory at Houston on Oct. 16, 2020.

Milne came to BYU as a walk-on athlete in 2018 and made an impact on the field as a freshman. He received a scholarship as a sophomore and had 21 receptions for 285 yards and had touchdowns against both USC and South Florida.

Now in its 11th year, the Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER,” which was released in 2016.  

The 2019 winner was defensive end Kenny Willekes from Michigan State University. After receiving no division one scholarship offers, Willekes walked-on at Michigan State, where he became All-American, the Big 10 Defensive Lineman of the Year. 

The Burlsworth Trophy will host a virtual awards ceremony on Jan. 4, 2021 to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2020 winner.