One of the most improved players for Alabama football from last year to this season is on special teams.
James Burnip, a native Australian, has been a valuable asset for the Crimson Tide in its push for a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff opportunity. He has been exceptional flipping the field for Alabama as a punter.
RELATED: Alabama punter named semifinalist for Ray Guy Award
Burnip, a senior, is a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award. After not seeing JK Scott earn the honor, Tide fans are hopeful that Burnip could take it home for the program. He has been one of the best specialists in the nation, averaging 48.2 yards per punt.
Burnip has 1,785 yards punting on 37 attempts, including a long punt of 67 yards. Seventeen of his attempts were not returned this season (11 fair catches, six touchbacks), 14 of his boots pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line, and 16 attempts traveled 50+ yards through the air. Burnip reacted to the news of being in the running for the Ray Guy Award on Twitter.
— James Burnip (@JamesBurnip3) November 11, 2023
He takes on Kentucky at 11:00 a.m. CT from Kroger Field at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.
ESPN has the call on the matchup.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
