Lubbock’s Own Xavier White Is a Finalist for Special Award
There's a movie that came out in 2016 called Greater that centers around a young man from Arkansas that wanted to play football at the University of Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth grew up in a small town in Arkansas and was never the best athlete in the world. What Burlsworth did have was an incredible level of determination and effort.
Burlsworth ended up walking on at Arkansas and became one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the University. The career of Burlsworth was headed toward an NFL career before an untimely death. In honor of Burlsworth who went from Walk On to All-American, the best walk-on in the country is awarded the Burlsworth Trophy.
This week, Texas Tech senior wide receiver Xavier White was named as one of 81 nominees for the 13th annual Burlsworth Trophy. White came to Texas Tech as a walk-on after playing high school at Monterey High School here in Lubbock before heading to Dodge City Community College.
White ended his first season in Lubbock with injury, but he had impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a scholarship.
White played running back for two seasons, but is now back at wide receiver and leads the Red Raiders in all-purpose yardage with 686, serving as a kick returner and punt returner as well. White leads the team in receptions and receiving yards.
White is in a position to finish with a strong senior season and could earn several honors if he finishes the conference play with a few more games like the ones he had against Kansas State, Oklahoma State and West Virginia where he finished with at least eight catches and a touchdown in each game.