Alabama’s Australian punter sends heartfelt message to Crimson Tide faithful

The University of Alabama football program will soon send another top specialist to the National Football League.

James Burnip is hoping to have the same success as Will Reichard and J.K. Scott in the league.

The native Australian came to the Crimson Tide in 2021 and has been the starting punter for four seasons. His yards per punt average grew each year, but this season has been exceptional for him. Burnip averaged 45 yards per punt this year, while limiting opponents to averaging under a yard in punt returns. He’s totaled 2,155 yards on 48 punts, dropping 19 inside the opposition’s 20-yard line. The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder has had several attempts travel 50 or more yards and is a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation’s top punter in college football. Scott never won the honor at Alabama, but Burnip has a chance.

Should the Crimson Tide make the College Football Playoff, Burnip will be a major weapon on special teams.

He sent a very heartfelt message to the ‘Bama faithful for making him and his family feel at home.