Jake Tonges A Nominee For Burlsworth Trophy

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Jake Tonges announced Tuesday as a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy given annually to the most outstanding FBS player in the nation who began his collegiate career as a walk-on.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former Arkansas walk-on who became an All-American and three-year starter on the Razorbacks' defensive line before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 63rd overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft. Burlsworth was tragically killed in an automobile accident 11 days after being drafted and the Burlsworth Foundation created in his memory supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.

The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony to honor the three finalists and announce the 2021 winner will take place at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark., on Dec. 6 at 7 pm CST/5 pm PST.  

Cal has had two previous national top-three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy in Patrick Laird (2018) and Ashtyn Davis (2019).

Below are additional notes on Tonges with his extended bio available by clicking on his name.
 
Jake Tonges, TE, 6-5, 240, RSr., 5th Season At Cal, Los Gatos, CA (Los Gatos HS)
— A member of the 2021 Mackey Award preseason watch list given to the nation's top tight end and a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy going to the top player that began his collegiate career as a walk-on
— Listed as the nation's No. 37 draft eligible tight end prior to the 2021 campaign by Phil Steele
— Has played in all eight games with seven starts as a 2021 senior and recorded a career-high 15 catches for 180 yards with a career-high two touchdowns that is tied for second on the team
— Has played in 37 of 38 possible games with 19 starts over the last three-plus seasons at Cal after redshirting as a 2017 true freshman and recorded 40 career receptions for 522 yards with four touchdowns, as well as five tackles
— Contributed a career-high 262 yards receiving on 13 catches (team and career-high 20.2 yards per reception) as a 2019 sophomore
— Began his Cal career as a walk-on in 2017 before earning a football scholarship just before the beginning of the 2019 campaign