Washington State’s Luke Falk nabs Burlsworth Trophy nomination for third straight year

PULLMAN – Washington State quarterback Luke Falk was named a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy for the third straight year. The award is given annually to the country’s best former walk-on.

The Cougars’ signal-caller is just 132 yards shy of becoming the Pac-12’s all-time leader in passing yards, but originally joined WSU as a non-scholarship player in 2013 and wasn’t awarded a scholarship until the following season. He’d eventually become a starter in 2014 after a midseason injury to Connor Halliday and hasn’t lost the job since.

Once again, Falk faces tough competition for the Burlsworth. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won the award in 2015 and ‘16 and will have a chance to three-peat in 2017. Mayfield’s thrown for 2,628 yards and 23 touchdowns this season while leading the Sooners to a 7-1 record and No. 5 national ranking.

A total of 63 players were nominated for the 2017 Burlsworth Award, which will be announced on Dec. 4 in Springdale, Arkansas.