ARLINGTON, Texas - The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame have announced the names for the 2024 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and former UT Arlington offensive lineman Bruce Collie (1980-84) made the list.

Collie, a 2002 inductee into UT Arlington's Hall of Honor, was named Associated Press First Team All-American and Kodak All-America as a senior for the Mavs in 1984. Over his career, he was a three-time All-Southland Conference selection, guided UTA to an SLC championship and earned Honorable Mention All-American recognition as a sophomore and junior.

Following his graduation, the San Antonio native was selected in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who also drafted Jerry Rice in the same class. He went on to play for the 49ers from 1985-89, winning a pair of Super Bowls before spending two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1990-91.

This year's ballot includes 78 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks. The ballot was emailed to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class. The Honors Court includes an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media. This year, individuals can cast a vote by clicking here to become an NFF member.


 PHOTO BY FREDERIC LARSON (SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE)

"Having a ballot and a voice in the selection of the College Football Hall of Fame inductees is one of the most cherished NFF member benefits," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Mississippi. "There is no group more knowledgeable or passionate about college football than our membership, and the tradition of the ballot helps us engage them in the lofty responsibility of selecting those who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in our sport."

The chosen honorees will be officially inducted during the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas Dec. 10.

To be eligible for the ballot, players must have been named a First Team All-American by a major/national selector as recognized and utilized by the NCAA for their consensus All-America teams; played their last year of intercollegiate football at least 10 years prior; played within the last 50 years and cannot be currently playing professional football. Coaches must have coached a minimum of 10 years and 100 games as a head coach; won at least 60 percent of their games; and be retired from coaching for at least three years. If a coach is retired and over the age of 70, there is no waiting period. If he is over the age of 75, he is eligible as an active coach. In both cases, the candidate's post-football record as a citizen may also be weighed.

Once nominated for consideration, all FBS player candidates are submitted to one of eight District Screening Committees, depending on their school's geographic location, which conducts a vote to determine who will appear on the ballot and represent their respective districts. Each year, approximately 15 candidates, who are not selected for the Hall of Fame but received significant votes in the final selection, will be named automatic holdovers and will bypass the district screening process and automatically appear on the ballot the following year. Additionally, the Veterans Committee may make recommendations to the Honors Court for exceptions that allow for the induction of players who played more than 50 years ago. The Honors Court annually reviews the Hall of Fame criteria to ensure a fair and streamlined process.

FOLLOW THE MAVS SOCIALLY
For up-to-date news, photos and videos, follow UTA Athletics online at UTAMavs.com or via several social media accounts on Twitter @UTAMavs, Instagram @UTAMavs and Facebook /UTAMavs.