FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Missouri punter Luke Bauer has been named a nominee for the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy, the organization announced.
The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (DI) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.
Bauer, who has already obtained his bachelor’s degree and is currently enrolled in Missouri’s MBA graduate program, has appeared in 21 games, making eight starts as the Tigers’ primary punter. He’s registered 48 career punts for 2,035 yards for an average of 42.40 yards per kick. Additionally, the St. Louis, Missouri, native has nine boots of 50-plus yards, including four in 2024.
The 2023 winner was former Tiger running back Cody Schrader. After dominating at Truman (Mo.) State, Schrader transferred to Missouri where he contributed immediately. In 2023, he rushed for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-America by the Associated Press and First-Team All-SEC by the Associated Press and the coaches. Schrader was then signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He’s currently a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
“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 DI 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 ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2024 winner will be on December 9, at 7:00pm CT at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Missouri hosts Oklahoma on Saturday for their first meeting since 2011. Kickoff is slated for 6:45 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast live on SEC Network.
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