SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State football standouts Grant Burkett and Caden Bolz were recognized this week with Preseason All-America status, as bestowed by Stats Perform and Phil Steele’s College Football Preview.
Burket (Punter, Joplin, Mo.) was named as a third-team All-America honoree by both Stats Perform and Hero Spots, while Bolz (Long Snapper, Overland Park, Kan.) was named as a fourth-team selection by Phil Steele.
Burkett has been named as an FCS All-America pick each of the past two seasons and an All-MVFC honoree the last three years. He was named to Associated Press FCS All-America Team as a third-team selection in 2022 and was named to the All-MVFC first-team for the second straight season. He was ranked 12th nationally and tops in MVFC in punting average (43.2) in 2022 and finished the season with 14 punts downed inside 20 and 11 punts of 50 yards or more.
Bolz earned All-MVFC honorable mention distinction in his third season as MSU long snapper in 2022. He handled 98 total special teams snaps on punt, PAT and field goals with no kicks blocked last season. He was also a huge contributor to the success of consensus All-American punter Burkett and All-American kicker Jose Pizano while leading Bears to 16th nationally in net punting (36.7).
Both Burkett and Bolz were named to the Preseason All-MVFC first team on Tuesday.
