Penn State long snapper Chris Stoll was named as a nominee for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy, as announced Tuesday by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.

The Burlsworth Trophy is annually awarded to college football’s most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on. Players can play their way into a scholarship, but in order to be eligible, they must have entered their first season without any financial aid from their athletic department.

In 2010, the trophy was created to honor Brandon Burlsworth, an offensive lineman from the University of Arkansas. He was a walk-on who earned a scholarship and All-American status, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, and then passed away in a car accident shortly after.

Stoll began his Penn State career as a walk-on and made his debut as a redshirt sophomore. His play drew notice from the coaching staff, as he earned the team’s Outstanding Run-On award at the conclusion of the season. During the preseason camp of his redshirt junior year, Stoll was placed on full scholarship.

Other notable nominees for the award include Iowa’s Jack Koerner, Michigan’s Andrew Vastardis, and Ohio State’s Mitch Rossi, all of whom are seniors.

There has been one past Burlsworth winner and one finalist in the Nittany Lions’ history. In 2012, quarterback Matt McGloin was honored, and in 2015, defensive lineman Carl Nassib was selected as a finalist.