Floyd graduate earns award

FLOYD - Cobe Correa was awarded his diploma from Floyd High School late last month. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation added one more accomplishment.

The recent Bronco graduate was selected as one of several winners across the country of the Burlsworth Character Award, honoring the former Arkansas all-American who died in a car crash 11 days after the Indianapolis Colts drafted him in 1999.

According to the foundation's website, the award is given to recognize character on the football field, not necessarily toward a team's top athletic performer but most importantly to one "who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team."

Winners are selected from a pool of players nominated by their respective coaches.

The foundation did not respond to inquiries from The News, but its website indicates that last year 662 high schoolers were honored, with Logan Naranjo of Clayton the only New Mexico recipient.

While the award doesn't specifically seek top performers, Correa would qualify, with his selection for both the Broncos' defensive MVP and leadership awards. Additionally, Correa was given the Fighting Heart Award by the Floyd Lions Club.

In his senior year at Floyd, Correa also played basketball and baseball and served as the class president, FFA president and National Honor Society vice president. He is also active at Third and Kilgore Church of Christ and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Burlsworth, whose story was told in the 2016 sports movie "Greater," went from walk-on status at the University of Arkansas to become an All-American and team captain. Burlsworth made the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll three years, and was the first player in Razorbacks history to earn a master's degree before playing his final game.

Winners receive a certificate, a copy of Burlsworth's biography "Through the Eyes of a Champion" and a personal video message from foundation president Marty Burlsworth. The foundation also annually selects an outstanding Division I player who began as a walk-on.