BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University graduate students Brian Campagna, Adam Couch, Robert Marshall, Benjamin McMahon, Michael Nocera and Nathan Oliver; and senior Ryan Burchard have been selected to the National Football Foundation (NFF) 2024 Hampshire Honor Society.
The 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.
An elite group of 1,989 players from 339 schools qualified for membership in 2024, setting a new record for the number of members in a single year during the program's 18-year history. The initiative has now honored 18,387 student-athletes since its inception.
To be nominated, student-athletes must have been a starter or significant contributor in their final year of eligibility while achieving at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and meeting all NCAA/NAIA-mandated progress towards degree requirements and graduation.
Campagna (3.66 GPA), Couch (3.43 GPA), Marshall (3.94 GPA), McMahon (3.21 GPA), Nocera (3.70 GPA) and Oliver (3.66 GPA) eached earned their undergraduate degreee in the spring of 2023 and are enrolled in graduate school. Campagna and Couch are both working towards an MBA, while McMahon, Nocera and Oliver are in the health science/physical education programs. Marshall is pursuing a a Masters of Criminal justice.
Burchard, an economics major, currently sports a 3.68 grade point average and will graduate in May.
A native of Canton, Massachusetts, Campagna appeared in 26 games for the Bears over fours season on the defensive line. He recorded 94 tackles (52 solo) and 9 1/2 tackles for loss with 5 1/2 sacks.
Couch, who hails from Winchendon, Massachusetts, rushed for 2,811 yards and 34 touchdowns in 29 games over three seasons in a BSU uniform. He also caught 61 passes for 655 yards and two scores. Couch ranks fourth all-time in program history in rushing, fifth in touchdowns (36), sixth in rushing touchdowns and ninth in scoring (216 points).
A West Kingstown, Rhode Island resident, Marshall appeared in 20 games over four seasons with the Bears at special teams and linebacker. He recorded 11 tackles (five solo) with a half tackle for loss.
McMahon, who calls Somerset, Massachusetts home, notched 80 tackles (38 solo) in 23 games over three seasons in a BSU uniform at the linebacker position. He also registered three interceptions, seven pass breakups, 3 1/2 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks, and a forced fumble.
A native of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Nocera hauled in 74 receptions for 908 yards and seven touchdowns in 21 games over four seasons with the Bears at wide receiver. He ranks 13th all time at Bridgewater State in pass receptions.
Oliver, who hails from South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, spent two seasons in the defensive backfield for the Bears and tallied 39 tackles (26 solo) over 17 games with two interceptions and five pass breakups.
A resident of Holliston, Massachusetts, Burchard played in 19 games at tight end over the last two seasons. He caught 25 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
"We are thrilled to honor a record number of athletes as part of this year's Hampshire Honor Society," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell.
"Over the last 18 years, the Hampshire Honor Society has served as a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically," Hatchell added, "and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives."
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society capitalizes on the NFF's National Scholar-Athlete program by greatly expanding the number of scholar-athletes the NFF can recognize each year. The program further strengthens the organization's leadership role in encouraging academic performance by the student-athletes at the 772 colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.
Jon F. Hanson, the chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies, provided the funds to launch the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2007. He made the contribution as part of his legacy to the organization after serving as NFF Chairman from 1994-2006. He currently serves the organization as chairman emeritus. Each player awarded membership in this year's Honor Society will receive a certificate commemorating his or her achievement.
"It was my great privilege to endow the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which has greatly increased the number of college student-athletes the NFF has been able to recognize during the past 18 years," said Hanson. "Nationwide there are thousands of football players excelling in the classroom, and they are going on to become great leaders."
"We have honored more than 18,000 student-athletes since 2007 thanks to Jon Hanson's generosity," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "We are grateful for his passionate belief in the scholar-athlete ideal, and the Hampshire Honor Society allows us to showcase the names of tomorrow's leaders while inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps."
Complete list of National Football Foundation 2024 Hampshire Honor Society members (PDF)