Michigan State DE wins annual award for best player to begin career as walk-on
Kenny Willekes is a stud defensive end for the Michigan State Spartans. Every single Saturday, whether the green and white wins or loses, Willekes makes his presence felt.
RELATED: Mark Dantonio previews Pinstripe Bowl matchup with Wake Forest
Can you believe that he started his career as a walk-on? It’s hard to imagine now, but, he was a preferred walk-on at East Lansing.
On Monday, Willekes was announced for winning an award that looks specifically for players that begin their careers as a walk-on:
And the winner of the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy is… Kenny Willikes, Defensive End from Michigan State! pic.twitter.com/97zxfMYHRO
— Burlsworth Trophy (@BurlsworthTrust) December 9, 2019
Each year, the Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding player in America that started as a walk-on. According to 247Sports, Willekes did not have a ranking as a prospect.
So much for that.