Fifth-year senior defensive tackle David Parry, a former Linn-Mar standout, was named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, the award's selection committee announced Tuesday morning.

The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding football player in America that began his career as a walk-on.

Parry, a political science major, has been a force in the middle for one of the top-ranked defenses in the country. The Marion native has accounted for 24 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and two sacks, while playing in nine of 10 games and starting eight at nose tackle.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one scholarship offer, Brandon walked on at Arkansas in 1994 and worked his way to being 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 that have limited opportunities.

Fans will be allowed to vote for their favorite semifinalist via a fan vote at www.burlsworthtrophy.com through Nov. 20th. Finalists will be announced Nov. 25, before being honored at the 2014 Burlsworth Trophy banquet Dec. 8th in Springdale, Ark., sponsored by the Springdale Rotary Club.

2014 Burlsworth Trophy semifinalists

Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina
Mark Weisman, RB, Iowa
Jonathan Truman, LB, Kansas State
Chris Jasperse, C, Marshall
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Ben Beckwith, G, Mississippi State
Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina
Joe Schmidt, LB, Notre Dame
David Parry, DT, Stanford
Zach Vigil, LB, Utah State