FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Hawai'i senior offensive lineman Taaga Tuulima was among a group of 67 Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes nominated for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
 
The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, the former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman, who was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days after being selected as the 63^rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. The award is in its 11^th year.
 
Tuulima, a fifth-year senior offensive lineman from 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu, joined the Rainbow Warriors as a walk-on out of 'Iolani School. He started his career as a defensive tackle before making the switch to offensive lineman in 2017, where he made one start at center during his redshirt freshman season. Since then, he has started 34 career games – all at center – and this year was selected to the Watch List of the Rimington Award, given to the nation's top center.
 
Last season, the mechanical engineering major was selected all-Mountain West honorable mention and was the team's Offensive Most Valuable Player. The three-time academic all-conference honoree was one of just four Rainbow Warriors to start every game.
 
The Burlsworth Trophy will host an awards ceremony virtually on January 4, 2021 to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2020 winner.