Nine Olivet College football players selected to NFF Hampshire Honor Society

IRVING, Texas – Nine Olivet College football players were announced today to be among the newest members of the 2016 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. The society is comprised of college football players who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. Overall, a total of 868 players from 275 schools qualified for membership as the society celebrates its 10th year, setting a new record for the number of players honored during the history of the program. 

Members from Olivet are Andrew Arras, Kyle Bryson, Tyler Gorby, Trevor Haas, Andrew Pabst, Cornelius Pettit, Cody Ross, Ty Rozema and Colin Sheehan. The nine selections are the most by a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association school. Trine (Ind.) University was next closest with four members.

Qualifications for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include:

• Being a starter or a significant contributor in one's last year of eligibility (or a senior who has declared for the NFL Draft) at an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III or an NAIA college or university;
• Achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study; and
• Meeting all NCAA/NAIA-mandated progress towards degree requirements.

Arras, a biology major, has a 3.892 GPA. He was part of the defensive secondary and had seven tackles in 2015.

Bryson, an insurance and risk management major, carries a 3.414 GPA. A three-time All-MIAA selection, he ended the 2015 season with 29 receptions for 297 yards and six touchdowns. Bryson finished his career as Olivet's all-time leader in pass reception (139) and receiving touchdowns (26), and second all-time in receiving yards (1,729).

Gorby, a criminal justice major, has accumulated a 3.354 GPA and saw action at linebacker for the Comets. He recorded nine tackles, including three-and-half for loss yardage in 2015. For his career, Gorby saw action in 18 games and collected 25 tackles, with six-and-half for negative 34 yards.

Haas, a physical education major, has a 3.379 GPA. He played in the defensive secondary, registering 36 tackles and two interceptions. For his career, Haas played in 21 games and had 82 tackles.

Pabst, a criminal justice major, maintained a 3.983 GPA and earned 2015 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America® second-team honors. A starter on the defensive line, he finished the season with 27 total tackles and blocked two kicks in earning second-team All-MIAA honors. Pabst played in 38 games at Olivet, recording 46 solo and 46 assisted tackles for 92 total stops.

Pettit, an exercise science major, has posted a 3.413 GPA. He played on the Comets' offensive line.

Ross, a biology major, has accrued a 3.847 GPA. He was a starter on the defensive line, ending the 2015 season with 18 tackles. Ross concluded his career at Olivet by playing in 36 games and registering 58 total tackles.

Rozema, a criminal justice major, carries a 3.851 GPA. A 2015 first-team All-MIAA pick, he started all 10 games at the offensive center position.

Sheehan, an insurance and risk management major, has a 3.277 GPA. He saw action primarily on special teams but also as back-up wide receiver.

"The number of colleges and universities who embrace the Hampshire Honor Society continues to increase each 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."