Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett wins Burlsworth Trophy, named Heisman finalist

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has been named the recipient of the 2022 Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding college player who began his career as a walk-on.

In addition, Bennett was also named one of four Heisman Trophy finalists earlier in the day Monday.

“I don’t even know what to think right now,” Bennett said of being a Heisman finalist. “We have a lot of good players who make me look good. It’s special. This honor is all about my teammates and this team. I wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have the team that we have. This honor is for them. I understand what Coach (Kirby) Smart means when he says that success comes to those who don’t look for it or are too busy working to look for it. I have never thought about the Heisman. I just wanted to play quarterback at Georgia. I just wanted to play football.

“I’m thinking of the players and people who have been in this with me. Regardless of who wins, it’s a huge honor to be in this group. The wideouts, tight ends, running backs, offensive line, defense, coaches — I wouldn’t have this opportunity without them so a ton of gratitude for them.”

Bennett received the Burlsworth Trophy on Monday during a ceremony at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. The other two finalists were Troy senior linebacker Carlton Martial (like Bennett, a 2021 finalist) and Purdue senior quarterback Aidan O’Connell.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on at Arkansas in 1994 and eventually became a three-year starter and an All-American. He was selected by Indianapolis in the 1999 NFL Draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those who have limited opportunities.

Previous Burlsworth Trophy recipients include Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow.

Bennett walked on at Georgia in 2017 and drew high praise from coaches and teammates for his scout team play. He transferred to Jones College in 2018, passing for 1,840 yards and 16 touchdowns. Bennett returned to Athens in 2019, seeing reserve action in five contests. In 2020, Bennett started five games and passed for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns.

The 2021 campaign was the storybook season for Bennett and the Bulldogs. Starting 12 times, including the final 10 contests, he threw for 2,862 yards and 29 touchdowns in leading Georgia to its first national championship since 1980. Bennett was the Offensive MVP for both the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship Game and the Semifinal Capital One Orange Bowl.

Bennett led the top-ranked Bulldogs to the 2022 Southeastern Conference title on Saturday and was chosen as the game’s Most Valuable Player. He went 23-of-29 for 274 yards and four touchdowns as Georgia topped LSU 50-30. For the year, Bennett has completed 269-of-395 passes for 3,425 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 269 completions match the school single-season record set by Eric Zeier in 1993. Bennett also has rushed for seven touchdowns.

In his career, Bennett has passed for 7,726 yards and 59 touchdowns. With an additional 11 rushing scores, he has accounted for 70 career touchdowns.

Bennett is also a finalist for the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.