Carlton Martial Named Finalist for Burlsworth Trophy

TROY, Ala. – The NCAA's all-time leading tackler at the FBS level, Carlton Martial, is one of three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top player who began their career as a walk-on. Martial is a finalist for the award for a second consecutive year; he is joined by Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett and Purdue quarterback Aiden O'Connell.

A native of Mobile, Ala., Martial entered last week's game against Army needing 20 tackles to become the all-time leader at the FBS level with 546 tackles. However, he erased any doubt that it would happen against the Black Knights, recording 17 in the first half en route to a career-high 22 in the game to pass Northwestern's Tim McGarigle for the most in NCAA FBS history.

A four-time Sun Belt Player of the Week recipient this season, Martial is the only FBS player since at least 2000 to have at least 405 tackles, six interceptions and 41 tackles for loss in their career; he currently sits with 548 tackles, 50 tackles for loss and six interceptions. Additionally, Martial ranks second in Troy's DI era and fifth in Sun Belt history with eight forced fumbles.

The Martial-led defense has been instrumental in Troy's remarkable turnaround this season. The Trojans are 8-2 overall and first in the Sun Belt West Division. Troy carries the nation's fifth-longest active winning streak of seven games into its contest against ULM on Saturday.

Behind Martial, Troy is only the second school since at least 2000 to win multiple games when scoring 10 or fewer points in a single season and only the seventh to win four games when scoring 17 or fewer points.

Martial came to Troy with no FBS offers and just a handful of FCS and Division II offers, but since that time has become the most dynamic tackler in college football. His 548 tackles since the start of the 2018 season are 110 more than any other FBS player, while his 472 tackles since the beginning of the 2019 season are 63 more than any other FBS player.

He currently ranks second nationally, averaging 11.78 tackles per game, and is the seventh-best linebacker in the country per PFF and sixth-best against the run (min. 550 snaps).

Martial's resume is extensive. He is one of just three players in Troy history to earn a trio of All-Sun Belt First Team honors; he's a three-time All-American and led the country in tackles in 2020.

Finalists will be honored and the winner of the 2022 Burlsworth Trophy will be announced Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being 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. For a full narrative of the Foundation's work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.

Troy University Athletics

Carlton Martial Named Finalist for Burlsworth Trophy

Players Mentioned

Carlton Martial

Related Videos