 Arkansas defensive back Kevin Richardson has been nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy.

Richardson is one of 63 nominees for award, which is presented to college football's best player to begin his career as a walk-on. The eighth Burlsworth Trophy will be presented during a luncheon Dec. 4 in Springdale.

Ten semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 7 and three finalists will be announced Nov. 14.

Richardson, a fifth-year senior captain, has 27 tackles and three interceptions this season for the Razorbacks. He has recorded a turnover in three consecutive games, including a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Arkansas' 38-37 comeback win at Ole Miss last Saturday.

Richardson was recruited to walk-on at Arkansas out of Jacksonville High School in 2013. He was awarded a scholarship two years later.

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, a two-time Burlsworth Trophy winner, and Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, a two-time finalist, also are among this year's nominees.

Every FBS program is given the opportunity to nominate one player for the award. Richardson is one of nine nominees from the SEC.

The award is named for Brandon Burlsworth, a former Arkansas offensive lineman who transformed from a walk-on to All-American as a fifth-year senior. Burlsworth died in a car crash in 1999, 11 days after he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the NFL Draft.

No Arkansas player has ever been a finalist for the award. Punter Toby Baker was a semifinalist last season.