Courtesy of USF
By Brandi Bottger
The University of South Florida football program recognized six players for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame NFF Hampshire Honor Society, setting a new record for the program.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society represents college football players across multiple divisions, including the NCAA, NAIA, and spring football, who maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher throughout their college career. In 2023, the elite group recognizes 1,734 players from 329 schools, with six players from USF.
South Florida players that have been recognized for the award include quarterback Gerry Bohanon Jr., wide receiver Sean Atkins, and long snapper Andrew Beardall, who are all returning players for the 2023 season. USF graduates Brad Cecil, cornerback Josh Green and guard Dustyn Hall also receive recognition for the honor society.
In total, USF athletics have had 18 players be recognized and have been named to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society since the program began in 2006. The previous record the program set was four back in 2013.
“Over the last 17 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, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives,” said Steve Hatchell, the CEO and President of the NFF.
In order for a player to be recognized by this award, a player must be nominated by their school. They must be a senior player graduating in the spring or summer of 2023 and completing their final year of playing eligibility in 2022 or be a graduated player who has been out of high school for at least three years. The nominated player must also attain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and be a starter or a significant contributor throughout the 2022 season.
Notable players who will also be receiving the recognition include Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, projected first-round NFL Draft pick Paris Johnson Jr, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis and Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
With new coaches and a successful spring game that took place back on April 14, the South Florida Bulls will begin their season in five months, with their first game on Sept. 2 at Western Kentucky. The first home game will take place on Sept. 9, where the Bulls will take on Florida A&M University.
