A pair of key contributors to SEC East teams are in the running for an award that annually honors the top former walk-on.

South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst, a former minor league baseball player, walked on to play for the Gamecocks in 2015. He leads the Gamecocks with 14.0 yards per catch, including 30 catches for 421 yards with two touchdowns, Hurst was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee in 2016 and is a key part of the offense for 6-3 South Carolina.

Georgia defensive back Aaron Davis is also on the list as he has 28 tackles. Davis also has a forced fumble and four pass breakups.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one Division I scholarship offer, Burlsworth walked on to the Arkansas team in 1994, and later became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998.

Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later.

The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.

Here is a full list of the finalists:

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State University, Linebacker, JR
Patrick Laird, University of California, Running Back, JR
Aaron Davis, University of Georgia, Defensive Back, SR
Trent Tanking, Kansas State University, Linebacker, SR
Anthony Miller, University of Memphis, Wide Receiver, SR
Austin Corbett, University of Nevada, Offensive Lineman, SR
Baker Mayfield, University of Oklahoma, Quarterback, SR
Luke Falk, Washington State University, Quarterback, SR
Troy Fumagalli, University of Wisconsin, Tight End, SR