Adams, Schilling Named to Hampshire Honor Society

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State University senior offensive linemen Matt Adams and Colton Schilling have been selected to the National Football Foundation (NFF) 2017 Hampshire Honor Society.

A management major, Adams is currently sporting a cumulative 3.44 grade point average. Schilling graduated this past May as he maintained a 3.59 GPA while majoring in accounting & finance with a minor in management.

A total of 1,103 players from 302 schools qualified for membership in the society's 11th year, both new single-year records in the history of the program.

To be nominated, student-athletes must have been a starter or significant contributor in their final season 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.

"We are pleased to see a record number of colleges and universities embrace 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," 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 who play football at the 776 colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.

The 1,103 players honored in 2017 sets a new high water mark, eclipsing the previous record of 882 honorees in 2016. The 302 schools with members breaks the previous record of 280 in both 2015 and 2016. The initiative has honored 7,743 student-athletes since its inception, and the program has experienced growth every year in either members or school participation since its launch in 2007.

Jon F. Hanson, the chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies, provided the endowment 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 the chairman emeritus. Each player awarded with membership in this year's Honor Society will receive a certificate commemorating their 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 11 years," said Hanson.

Hanson added, "Nationwide there are thousands of football players excelling in the classroom, and they're going on to be great leaders. The NFF Hampshire Honor Society continues to grow and allows us to shine a light on their hard work."

"We have honored more than 7,700 student-athletes in the last 11 years 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."

A three-year letter-winner, Adams appeared in 21 games predominantly at center in 2013, 2014 and 2016 and made 16 starts.

Schilling appeared in 30 games over four seasons in a BSU uniform. He transitioned from the defensive line to the offensive line in his sophomore campaign of 2014 and would go on to start all 22 games at left tackle over the last two seasons.

In 2016, the BSU offensive line, anchored by Adams and Schilling, paved the way for 4,280 yards of totals offense (1,940 rushing, 2,340 passing) as the Bears averaged 389.1 yards per game. The o-line also allowed just nine sacks in 11 games.

The 2016 Bridgewater State football team posted an overall record of 8-3 and captured the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) title with a perfect 8-0 conference mark. The Bears advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fourth time in program history and dropped a tough 33-27 opening-round decision in overtime to #15 ranked Alfred University.

2017 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society (PDF)