Photo by: Charles Wainwright
Dixon Nominated for 2015 Burlsworth Trophy
11/10/2015 2:33:00 PM | Football
Award is presented to the most outstanding college football player who began career as a walk-on
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Syracuse senior punter Riley Dixon is one of 55 nominees for the 2015 Burlsworth Trophy, the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club announced on Tuesday, Nov. 10. It's the second year in a row Dixon has been nominated for the award, which is presented to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on.
Dixon, who was awarded a scholarship at Syracuse after the 2013 regular season, is tied for third in school history in career punting average (42.6) and ranks fifth in yards (8,430). Dixon has a net punting average of 42.1 yards per punt in 2015 and is a candidate for the Ray Guy Award, presented to the nation's top punter. Twenty-one of his 45 punts this year have been downed inside the 20 with only three touchbacks.
The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth who 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 with 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, in particular those who have limited opportunities.
"In this sixth year of the Burlsworth Trophy, I am again impressed by the quality and commitment of the athletes who have been nominated," said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and Brandon's older brother. "These young men represent what the Burlsworth Trophy stands for: character, hard work, dedication to a sport and to their school and above all else, a desire to excel at the highest level."
The Springdale Rotary Club will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 7 to honor the three finalists and announce this year's winner.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange& Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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Dixon, who was awarded a scholarship at Syracuse after the 2013 regular season, is tied for third in school history in career punting average (42.6) and ranks fifth in yards (8,430). Dixon has a net punting average of 42.1 yards per punt in 2015 and is a candidate for the Ray Guy Award, presented to the nation's top punter. Twenty-one of his 45 punts this year have been downed inside the 20 with only three touchbacks.
The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth who 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 with 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, in particular those who have limited opportunities.
"In this sixth year of the Burlsworth Trophy, I am again impressed by the quality and commitment of the athletes who have been nominated," said Marty Burlsworth, CEO and founder of the Burlsworth Foundation and Brandon's older brother. "These young men represent what the Burlsworth Trophy stands for: character, hard work, dedication to a sport and to their school and above all else, a desire to excel at the highest level."
The Springdale Rotary Club will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 7 to honor the three finalists and announce this year's winner.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange& Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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