DURHAM – Duke holder Jackson Hubbard has been named a nominee for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy, the organization announced Tuesday.
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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 (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.
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Hubbard, who is pursuing a graduate degree in electrical and computer engineering, has appeared in 42 games. He has served as the program's holder on placement kicks for the last four seasons. The Dallas, Texas, native has been a key component of Duke's placement kicking unit that has gone 138-of-142 (.972) on PATs and 44-of-59 (.746) on field goals since 2018. Hubbard has also recorded nine kickoffs for 524 yards (58.22) with two touchbacks.
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"What a privilege it is to recognize these young men each year, those that chose to take on the challenge of beginning their college career as a walk-on," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. "We are excited to celebrate the achievements of these 88 players nominated for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. These extraordinary young men have put in the work and have earned this honor."
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Without one D1 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, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.
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The Burlsworth Trophy Award ceremony to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2021 winner will on December 6 at 7 p.m. CT at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
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Duke hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 6. Kickoff is slated for noon and the game will be broadcast live on ACC Network.
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