Texas Longhorns DB Michael Taaffe Named Semifinalist for Burlsworth Trophy

Taaffe is one of ten semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, who recognizes the best player who began as a walk-on.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Florida Gators, Nov. 9, 2024 at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Texas Longhorns defense has been fantastic in lots of different aspects this season and a lot can be credited to the leadership and hard work displayed by Michael Taaffe.

And on Monday, Taaffe was nationally recognized for contribution to the Longhorns squad. The junior defensive back was named one of ten semifinalists for the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy. The trophy is given to the most outstanding football player who began their career as a walk-on and has been given out annually since 2010.

Taaffe walked on to the team for the 2021 season. Now in 2024, Taaffe is a big starter for one of the best defenses in the nation. Through nine games, Taaffe is second on the Longhorns with five pass breakups and third in total tackles with 41. He also has gotten two and a half tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.

Taaffe has shown up in big moments for the team, against Georgia he recorded a career-high in tackles with nine (seven solo). The following week against Vanderbilt Taaffe recorded a forced fumble and an interception in the close victory. For his efforts against the Commodores, Taaffe was given SEC's Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors and named Burlsworth's Trophy National Player of the Week.

The top three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy will be announced by their selection committee on Nov. 19th. The three finalist will be honored at the Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on Dec. 9th where the winner will be announced.

Taaffe and Texas will have played their next game by then. That game is against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville on Saturday.

The game will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.

Join the Community:

Subscribe to our YouTube Page HERE

You can follow us for future coverage by subscribing to our newsletter here. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @LonghornsCountryOnSI & follow us on Twitter at @LonghornsSI

Other Texas Longhorns News:

MORE: Two Texas Longhorns Among PFF's Highest-Graded Freshmen in Week 11

MORE: Texas A&M Aggies Punter Talks Friendship With Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers

MORE: Texas Longhorns LB Trey Moore Playing His Best at Right Time

MORE: Michael Taaffe Raves About Texas Longhorns Secondary: 'Best in the Country!'

MORE: Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers Named Semifinalist for Major Award