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Michigan Wolverines safety Jordan Kovacs is a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, an award given to the nation's top former walk-on. Kovacs was named a finalist on Tuesday along with Matthew McGloin of the Penn St. Nittany Lions and David Quessenberry of the San Jose St. Spartans. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Springdale, Ark., on Dec. 3.
Kovacs, a fifth-year senior, is fifth on the team in tackles with 65. He's also picked off one pass, made five tackles for loss, notched two sacks and forced a fumble. Heading into Michigan's bowl game, Kovacs has a career total of 331 tackles, five interceptions, seven sacks, 26 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and four pass deflections.
McGloin led a resurgent Penn State squad this season, completing 60 percent of his passes for 3,271 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions. Quessenberry, meanwhile, anchors a Spartans offensive line that allowed two sacks per game.
Last year's Burlsworth Trophy winner was Austin Davis of Southern Mississippi.