Longhorns star Michael Taaffe had a reason to celebrate on Monday. The talented defensive back was named one of three finalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy. Each year, the Burlsworth Trophy is given to a player who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
While Taaffe has battled injuries this year, he has been stellar when healthy. The Longhorns’ star has recorded 58 total tackles and one sack. He has also added one interception to his resume and been a model of consistency in a season full of ups and downs. Despite missing two games to injury, Taaffe ranks third in solo tackles with 31.
For those who have watched Taaffe’s career, his success comes as no surprise. In five years with the Longhorns, he has appeared in 51 games and made 34 starts. Due to his play, Taaffe has become an essential piece of Steve Sarkisian’s defense. That has been reflected in the national attention he has received.
The Longhorns’ safety is also a semifinalist for the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award, Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. He was a preseason First-Team All-SEC honoree and has shown why every time he steps on the field.
With Taaffe leading the way, the Longhorns’ defense ranks third in multiple categories. That includes team sacks and opponent yards per rush. They also rank in the top ten in rushing defense, opponent red zone chances per game, and opponent rushing first downs per game. As the offense has struggled at times, the defense has helped keep them in games.
In just a few weeks, the winner of the Burlsworth Trophy will be revealed on Dec. 8 at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Longhorns and Taaffe are hoping that night will lead to another round of celebrations.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns senior safety Michael Taaffe named Burlsworth Trophy finalist
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
