Arkansas Business

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SPRINGDALE - The first Burlsworth Trophy recognizing the determination and achievement of a non-scholarship football player has been awarded to Sean Bedford of Georgia Tech.

The award, given by the Springdale Rotary Club, goes to an NCAA Division I athlete who began his college football career as a walk-on. The award is given in memory of Brandon Burlsworth for his hard work and dedication that earned him All-American honors after walking on at Arkansas. Burlsworth died in a 1999 traffic accident.

Bedford, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., spent his first two seasons at Georgia Tech on the defensive scout team, as a lineman. He switched to the offense and played as the Yellow Jackets' center for his last two seasons, 2009-2010.

Five finalists were considered for the presentation made Monday.

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