James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
11/6/2024 3:00:00 PM | Football
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – James Madison running back Tyler Purdy has been named a nominee for the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding college football player who started as a walk-on.
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Purdy is one of 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players nominated for the honor, which is now in its 15th year.
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The Chesterfield, Mo., native is a unique nominee in that he was a former walk-on both at the FCS and FBS levels. Purdy began his career as a walk-on for Head Coach Bob Chesney at Holy Cross (2019-23) before earning a scholarship and gaining over 1,700 all-purpose yards with 11 touchdowns for the Crusaders while earning Second Team All-Patriot League honors in 2020.
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After graduating from Holy Cross, Purdy joined the Dukes in January 2024 for his final season as a walk-on. After just three games and following JMU's win at North Carolina, Purdy was awarded his JMU scholarship in the locker room from Chesney's father, Bob Chesney Sr.
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Purdy appeared in JMU's first eight games, making two starts at running back before suffering a season-ending injury. In his eight appearances for the Dukes this fall, he had 36 carries for 161 yards (4.5 avg.) and two touchdowns while making six receptions for 44 yards.
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He becomes JMU's second-ever nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining former defensive lineman James Carpenter, who was a top-three finalist in 2023.
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Three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy will be announced later this season, and the winner of the award will be unveiled on Dec. 9 at the Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
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Purdy is one of 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players nominated for the honor, which is now in its 15th year.
Â
The Chesterfield, Mo., native is a unique nominee in that he was a former walk-on both at the FCS and FBS levels. Purdy began his career as a walk-on for Head Coach Bob Chesney at Holy Cross (2019-23) before earning a scholarship and gaining over 1,700 all-purpose yards with 11 touchdowns for the Crusaders while earning Second Team All-Patriot League honors in 2020.
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After graduating from Holy Cross, Purdy joined the Dukes in January 2024 for his final season as a walk-on. After just three games and following JMU's win at North Carolina, Purdy was awarded his JMU scholarship in the locker room from Chesney's father, Bob Chesney Sr.
Â
Purdy appeared in JMU's first eight games, making two starts at running back before suffering a season-ending injury. In his eight appearances for the Dukes this fall, he had 36 carries for 161 yards (4.5 avg.) and two touchdowns while making six receptions for 44 yards.
Â
He becomes JMU's second-ever nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining former defensive lineman James Carpenter, who was a top-three finalist in 2023.
Â
Three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy will be announced later this season, and the winner of the award will be unveiled on Dec. 9 at the Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
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Players Mentioned
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