Local walk-on nominated for national honor
Posted at: 11/14/2012 9:30 PM
By: J.P. Murrieta and UNM Media Relations
University of New Mexico senior safety Matt Raymer has been nominated for the 2012 Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding football player in the country who began his career as a walk-on.
Raymer, an Albuquerque native and Manzano High School graduate, is second on the Lobos in tackles with 59, and his 6.6 average per game ranks 20th in the Mountain West Conference. He has five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and three forced fumbles on the season. Raymer is one of 50 candidates up for the honor.
Nominees for the award, which is named after former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, must have begun their first season of participation with a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision program without financial aid from their athletic department.
Head coach Bob Davie says Raymer played a total of 10 snaps on defense leading up to this year, but he has played every down on defense since the Texas State game.
"He’s a guy that admitted he is our slowest defensive back, but he’s our most productive guy," said Davie. "The goal is not to have Matt Raymer play 75 plays a game, but we can win with Matt Raymer," praised the coach.
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