DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University defensive tackle and former walk-on Jack Heflin is one of a record 83 nominees for the Burlsworth Trophy the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation announced Tuesday.
 
Heflin, who came to NIU as a walk-on in 2016, leads the team in forced fumbles (2) and quarterback hurries (3), is second in tackles for loss (5.5), including a sack and has tallied 22 tackles. A third-team All-MAC selection last year, the Huskie junior, is one of seven players from the MAC to make the nomination list. Heflin, a native of Prophetstown, Ill., is a three-year starter for the Huskies, starting 27 career games for NIU.
 
Given to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on, each nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy must have begun his first season of participation with a FBS program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.
 
The Huskies (3-6, 2-3) return to action Wednesday, Nov. 13 when NIU travels to Toledo, Ohio to face rival Toledo. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be shown on either ESPN2 or ESPNU. Fans can also listen via radio on the Huskie Sports Network.
 
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