IRVING, Texas – Elon University defensive lineman Nick Groll has earned induction into the National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field. He is one of 1,251 total players from 302 schools qualified for membership, a new record for the number of players honored during the history of the program.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. All of those recognized had to complete their final year of eligibility in 2017.
Groll, who hails from Armonk, N.Y., appeared in all 12 of Elon’s games in 2017 and recorded 18 total tackles, including 4.0 for a loss and 3.0 sacks. In the Phoenix’s victory over #16 Charleston Southern, Groll blocked a potential game-winning kick with just seconds remaining.
Over his four seasons in the maroon and gold, Groll amassed 93 total tackles. Among those were 13.0 stops for a loss and 8.0 sacks. He blocked a pair of kicks and forced and recovered one fumble.
Groll concluded his career with a 3.74 GPA as a political science major. He earned three CoSIDA Academic All-District honors and has been a member of the CAA Football Academic All-Conference Team throughout his career. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was named to the President’s List three times and the Dean’s List on four occasions.
During his time at Elon, Groll performed internships with the Compass Group, the Alamance County District Attorney’s Office and Jambox Entertainment. He spent time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Be the Match bone marrow registry.
“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.”
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 778 colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.
The 1,251 players honored in 2018 sets a new high water mark, eclipsing the previous record of 1,103 honorees in 2017. The 302 schools with members ties the previous mark also set in 2017.
The initiative has now honored 8,994 student-athletes since its inception, and the program has experienced growth every year in either members or school participation since its launch in 2007.
Elon’s All-Time NFF Hampshire Honor Society Members
2009 – Tim Applegate, FB
2012 – A.J. Harris, RB
2016 – Miles Williams, DB
2017 – John Gallagher, K
2018 – Nick Groll, DL