Nutt uses Burlsworth as example to FHS campers

Few collegiate athletes ever actually live up to the term role model, but if one ever did, it was Brandon Burlsworth.

Arkansas head football coach Houston Nutt used the late Razorback All-American offensive lineman as an example Tuesday while speaking to the participants of Daryl Patton’s Fayetteville High Football Camp.

"Brandon was 6-foot-4, 323-pounds and ran a 4.9 flat 40-yard dash," Nutt bragged of Burlsworth, who died tragically in a car accident near Alpena just weeks after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. "But, Brandon’s greatest skill was listening."

Nutt explained how Burlsworth, who was the first UA football player to complete a master’s degree while still being a member of the team, meticulously carried out his football and academic assignments. "He was a great listener and tried to do everything just right, even the little things," Nutt said. "That made him a great team player and a great teammate.

" If he came into the locker room and there was tape or a Gatorade bottle on the floor, he would walk over and pick it up. If someone was telling a dirty joke, he would walk away. "Brandon always did more than was asked of him, and he always did it harder and faster than anyone else. He had a great heart and a great attitude, and that had nothing to do with his athletic ability. But it did help him be a great player and a great teammate."

Nutt said Burlsworth made a big impression on him the first day that they met. "After our first team meeting — it was Dec. 10, 1997 — Brandon came up and asked real softly if he could speak to me," Nutt said. "He told me, ‘Please, coach, whatever you do, don’t talk about rebuilding. We’ve had three coaches in my five seasons, and we don’t want to rebuild. We want to win.’

" That made a big impression on me. I’ll never forget it. "

Of course, the Razorbacks did win big in Nutt’s first season. The Hogs opened the year 8-0 before finishing the season 9-3 and ranked 16 th in the Associated Press poll.

Nutt encouraged the kids to be better listeners.

" You have two ears and one mouth, right, "Nutt said." So that means you should listen twice as much as you speak. "

Nutt also reminded the children to make the most of every day.

" These are the best days of your life, "Nutt said." Remember that while you are at camp. And when you go home, be grateful to your mom and your dad or your aunt. "Someone one at home made it possible for you to come to this camp, and you should be very grateful for this opportunity."

BY TERRY J. WOOD Northwest Arkansas Times