FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tennessee redshirt senior long snapper Matthew Salansky was announced as one of 73 nominees for the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy on Tuesday.

The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. The Burlsworth Trophy is given annually to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.

This marks the second year in a row that Salansky has been tabbed a nominee for the award. He is in the midst of his fourth straight season as the Vols starting long snapper after joining the program as a walk-on in 2019. Salansky has developed into a leader among UT's special teams core and has served as a team captain in six of Tennessee's eight games this year.

The Morristown, Tennessee, native has been a  model of consistency on the field, in the locker room and academically throughout his time on Rocky Top, having played in 44 career games, appearing in every contest since the start of the 2020 season. Salansky has successfully executed 427 snaps in his career with 62 field goals, 198 extra points and 167 punts while also recording five special teams tackles. He is also a two-time Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll selection.

Salansky comes from a family of Vols and grew up dreaming of playing for the Big Orange. His uncle, Casey Woods, lettered at wide receiver and was a holder for Tennessee from 2005-07 while both his brothers and his mother graduated from UT.

The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2023 winner will take place on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. ET at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

To see the complete list of 2023 Burlsworth Trophy nominees, click HERE.