Ball State University Athletics
Ball State’s Riley Miller Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
November 06, 2019 | Football
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ball State wide receiver Riley Miller was one of 83 Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players nominated for the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy. The award, now in its 10th year, is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on offensive lineman who went on to earn All-America accolades. It goes each year to the nation's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
Miller, a redshirt senior from Yorktown, Indiana, has started 30 consecutive games for the Cardinals. This season, he ranks ninth in the Mid-American Conference in receiving yards per game (53.4). He leads the squad with five touchdown receptions, including two in the 52-14 win over Toledo on Oct. 19.
A three-sport athlete at Yorktown High School, Miller joined the Ball State football team in 2015 as a preferred walk-on. After redshirting in 2015 and seeing limited action in 2016, Miller earned a scholarship during preseason camp in 2017. He went on to claim Ball State's John Magnabosco Award (most outstanding player) and second team All-MAC honors in 2018 after ranking third in the conference in receptions per game and fourth in receiving yards per game.
Miller was one of six Burlsworth nominees from the Mid-American Conference.
Without one Division I scholarship offer, Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 9, 2019 in Springdale, Arkansas, to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2019 winner.
For more information on the Burlsworth Trophy, please visit burlsworthytrophy.com.
The Cardinals (4-5, 3-2 MAC) are back in action in two weekends when Central Michigan visits Scheumann Stadium in another pivotal league game on Saturday, Nov. 16.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Miller, a redshirt senior from Yorktown, Indiana, has started 30 consecutive games for the Cardinals. This season, he ranks ninth in the Mid-American Conference in receiving yards per game (53.4). He leads the squad with five touchdown receptions, including two in the 52-14 win over Toledo on Oct. 19.
A three-sport athlete at Yorktown High School, Miller joined the Ball State football team in 2015 as a preferred walk-on. After redshirting in 2015 and seeing limited action in 2016, Miller earned a scholarship during preseason camp in 2017. He went on to claim Ball State's John Magnabosco Award (most outstanding player) and second team All-MAC honors in 2018 after ranking third in the conference in receptions per game and fourth in receiving yards per game.
Miller was one of six Burlsworth nominees from the Mid-American Conference.
Without one Division I scholarship offer, Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in conjunction with Springdale Rotary Club, will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 9, 2019 in Springdale, Arkansas, to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2019 winner.
For more information on the Burlsworth Trophy, please visit burlsworthytrophy.com.
The Cardinals (4-5, 3-2 MAC) are back in action in two weekends when Central Michigan visits Scheumann Stadium in another pivotal league game on Saturday, Nov. 16.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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