Six Hope College football players have earned spots on the 2018 National Football Foundation Honor Society: Brandon Ellsworth, Chris Leigh, Jacob Pardonnet, Matt Reitsma, Mason Rosado and Jake VanderVeen.
They were among a record number of honorees from all NCAA and NAIA divisions.
Nominated by their respective schools, members of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society must have:
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Completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2017;
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Graduated players, who have remaining eligibility but will not return to collegiate play (e.g. declared for NFL Draft or retired from football), may also be nominated.
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Achieved a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study; and
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Met all NCAA- or NAIA-mandated progress toward degree requirements.
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Been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2017 season.
The 1,267 players honored in 2018 sets a new high water mark, eclipsing the previous record of 1,103 honorees in 2017. The 306 schools with members break the previous mark of 302 set in 2017.
"We are pleased to see another record number of athletes honored by the Hampshire Honor Society this year," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Over the past decade, it has become a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives."
Ellsworth is a defensive end from Webberville, Michigan (Webberville HS) and a biology major.
Leigh is a running back from Lake Orion, Michigan (Lake Orion) and an accounting major.
Pardonnet is a defensive back from Brighton, Michigan (Brighton) and a business/economics double major.
Reitsma is an offensive lineman from Lowell, Michigan (Lowell) and a biology major.
Rosado is a defensive back from Holland, Michigan (Holland) and an exercise major with a youth ministry minor.
VanderVeen is an offensive line from Alto, Michigan (Caledonia) and an accounting/business double major.
Photo, from left, Brandon Ellsworth, Chris Leigh, Jacob Pardonnet, Matt Reitsma, Jake VanderVeen
