LAS VEGAS —Former UTSA offensive lineman Spencer Burford became the third player in program history to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was picked by the San Francisco 49ers with the 29th selection in the fourth round (No. 134 overall) on Saturday.
Burford joins Marcus Davenport and David Morgan II as Roadrunners who have heard their name called in the NFL Draft in the 11-year history of the program. Davenport became the first UTSA player to be selected in the first round when he was taken 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, while Morgan was the first draft pick in program annals when the Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 13th pick in the sixth round (No. 188 overall) in in 2016.
An honorable mention All-American by Phil Steele and a first-team All-Conference USA pick in 2021, Burford started 12 games on the line — 11 at left tackle — to help lead UTSA to a 12-2 record, the program's first Conference USA title, a national ranking as high as No. 15 and to its straight and third overall bowl game last fall. The Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas College First Team selection helped pave the way for an offense that set school records for total yards (6,146), total yards per game (439.0), passing yards (3,577), passing yards per game (255.5), points scored (516) and points per game (36.9). Burford allowed only two sacks and one hit on the quarterback in 420 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus.
Burford played in 45 career games and drew 43 starts in his four-year career with the Roadrunners. He earned second-team all-league accolades as a junior and was an honorable mention all-conference selection in 2019. UTSA's first-ever four-star signee and a San Antonio Wagner High product, he was a key member of an offensive line that helped open holes for UTSA career rushing leader Sincere McCormick, who registered back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and finished with 3,929 rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns and 18 100-yard games.
Burford was one of three Roadrunners to participate in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine last month In Indianapolis. The 6-4, 304-pound San Antonio native received invitations to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He accepted the Senior Bowl invite and earned the start at left tackle for the American Team in the annual all-star game in Mobile, Alabama.
Burford received invitations to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He accepted the Senior Bowl invite and played for the American Team in the annual all-star game in Mobile, Alabama.
The NFL Draft continues Saturday. For more information and ways to watch, please visit https://www.nfl.com/network/events/nfl-draft.
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