FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas redshirt-junior punter Devin Bale has been announced as a nominee for the prestigious Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on, the organization announced on Tuesday.
The award is named after former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth.
Bale is averaging 48.0 yards per punt while punting for 1,105 yards on 23 punts this season. His 48.0 punting average is the third-best mark nationally among FBS punters. Bale has also helped the Razorbacks rank fourth nationally in net punting average at 44.91.
The Northern Colorado transfer has pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line five times this season, highlighted by punts downed at the 2-yard line and 1-yard line, respectively, against LSU (Oct. 19) and Oklahoma State (Sept. 7) earlier this season. In addition to pinning opponents deep in their own territory, he has registered nine punts of 50+ yards, highlighted by a 66-yard punt in a 19-14 win over No. 4 Tennessee.
“The walk-on athlete is an integral part of college football, it’s in the very fabric of the game,” said Marty Burlsworth, president and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. “All of these nominees have embraced this opportunity and made the very most of it. It’s certainly not an easy path, but through hard work and determination, they have made their dreams come true.”
Without one Division I scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became 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, particularly those children who have limited opportunities.
The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show will honor the three finalists and announce the 2024 winner on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.
