WALTHAM, Mass. – Seven members of the 2015 Bentley University football team, the most from any Division II institution nationally, were named to the 2016 Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Bentley was represented by Michael Baron (Medfield/Roxbury Latin School), Quincy Giles (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral HS), Evan Mattern (San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo HS), Matt McDermott (Merrimac/Central Catholic HS), Paul Norris (North Attleboro/North Attleboro HS). Emmitt Smith (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton Academy and Chris Walsh (Attleboro/Attleboro HS).

 The Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who maintained a cumulate 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. A record total of 868 players from 275 schools qualified for membership in the program's tenth year. In addition to a 3.2 GPA, qualifications include being a starter or significant contributor in one's last year of eligibility.

"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."

Baron, a kicker, led the 2015 Falcons in scoring with 51 points, on 11 of 16 field goals and 18 of 19 extra points. He totaled 185 points during his career as he was on target for 31 of 45 field goals and all but three of 95 PATs.

Giles, a team captain and defensive lineman, made over 30 tackles for the fourth straight year, finishing with 36. His 3.5 sacks resulted in losses of 22 yards, and he recorded a pair of fumbles (against Southern Connecticut and LIU Post).

Mattern, a linebacker and graduate student, was limited to three games by a knee injury. He had 16 tackles in the limited action and was involved in four fumbles in what proved to be his final game, Sept. 19 against Southern Connecticut. He recovered one in the first quarter, had two strip sacks in the second and forced another fumble in the third.

McDermott started at linebacker for the Falcons this past season after beginning his career on offense. He was second on the team in tackles, finishing with 69, and his 4.5 tackles for losses included two sacks. He also had a blocked kick and a fumble recovery.

Norris, a senior defensive lineman and captain, was voted to the NCAA Division II Academic All-America® first team by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He led the team's front line in tackles, finishing with 50, along with seven tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

Smith, a cornerback who started ten games, made 39 tackles and led the Falcons with eight pass break-ups. He was also second on the team in kick return yards, averaging 20.2 on 16 returns. His career totals included 103 tackles, 21 break-ups and 477 return yards.

Walsh was third on the team in receiving, pulled in 34 balls for 263 yards during his final season. He also threw a 42-yard TD pass against LIU Post and rushed for 12 yards. For his career, he amassed 863 receiving yards on 74 receptions.

Majors for the seven were accountancy (Baron, Smith), economics-finance (Giles, McDermott), finance (Mattern, Norris) and marketing (Walsh).

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 10 years," said Hanson. "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 6,500 student-athletes in the last 10 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."