Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop has been named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, marking his second consecutive season on the prestigious list. The award, presented annually to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on, features Bishop among ten elite candidates. As a senior and Knoxville native, Bishop’s recognition underscores his transformation from a non-scholarship recruit to one of the SEC’s most dominant offensive weapons.
Tennessee’s walk-on star joins Johnnie Jones’ elite club with historic 1,000-yard milestone
Bishop cemented his legacy on Nov. 7 at Neyland Stadium, rushing for 109 yards in a victory over Kentucky to become the second player in Tennessee history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He joins Johnnie Jones, who achieved this feat in 1983-84, in a rare statistical club. Entering Week 11, the Karns High School graduate is one of only four FBS players with at least 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. His 13 rushing scores rank second in the SEC and are tied for seventh nationally, highlighting his consistent ability to finish drives.
Bishop’s production has been sustained and explosive, with six 100-plus rushing performances this season, including a streak of five straight games entering his matchup against Texas A&M. He currently ranks second in the SEC and 10th in the nation with 1,066 rushing yards. Furthermore, Bishop has scored at least one touchdown in 12 of his last 13 games dating back to 2025, demonstrating a relentless scoring threat that has kept him at the forefront of the Burlsworth Trophy conversation.
Source: Yahoo Sports
