Gabe Burkle named Campbell Trophy semifinalist

Penn State redshirt senior tight end Gabe Burkle has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy. The National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame announced the selection on Wednesday. Burkle is among a record 206 semifinalists for the award, which is often referred to as the ‘academic Heisman’ for recognizing excellence in academics, football performance, and leadership.

Burkle, who is also on the John Mackey Award watch list, has earned multiple academic honors, including being named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters during his time at Iowa State. In his collegiate career, he has recorded 55 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns.

The National Football Foundation will announce 12 to 16 finalists on October 21. Finalists will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and will be honored at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas on December 8.