Temple University Athletics
Temple Places Five on NFF Hampshire Honor Society
4.27.16 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – Earlier today, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced the members of the 2016 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which includes Temple University's Shahbaz Ahmed, John Christopher, Rob Dvoracek, Kyle Friend and Tyler Mayes. The 2016 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. 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. Among FBS schools, only Akron (7), Duke (6) and Fresno State (6) placed more than Temple's five members.
"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."
Ahmed graduated with a degree in political science holding a 3.39 GPA. The Lindenwoold, N.J. native was a four-year letter winner having earned starts on the defensive line his first two seasons and transitioned to a starter on the offensive line the past two years.
Christopher graduated in the spring of 2015 with a 3.5 in kinesiology and completed his fifth year of eligibility last fall as a graduate student. He is now completing his education to become a chiropractor. The Ormond Beach, Fla., native was a four-time letter winner and finished his career with 83 receptions for 854 yards and three touchdowns.
Dvoracek is a graduate of the adult and organizational development program and compiled a 3.51 GPA. He was a starter as a true freshman in 2012 and continued to play in 2013 before suffering what became a career-ending knee injury in the final game of that season. The Allentown, Pa., native continued to work with the football program as a student coach.
Friend is a graduate of the Fox School of Business with a 3.34 GPA in business management. The Carlisle, Pa., native is Temple's first three-time captain and was an anchor on the offensive line making 41 consecutive starts, and 43 overall, in his four seasons at Temple.
Mayes graduated last winter with a 3.39 GPA in engineering. The Downingtown, Pa., native was a fifth year senior and former walk on who became the kickoff specialist in 2015. A gifted athlete, he was a primary backup at kicker, punter, holder, and long snapper.
Qualifications for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include:
"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."
Ahmed graduated with a degree in political science holding a 3.39 GPA. The Lindenwoold, N.J. native was a four-year letter winner having earned starts on the defensive line his first two seasons and transitioned to a starter on the offensive line the past two years.
Christopher graduated in the spring of 2015 with a 3.5 in kinesiology and completed his fifth year of eligibility last fall as a graduate student. He is now completing his education to become a chiropractor. The Ormond Beach, Fla., native was a four-time letter winner and finished his career with 83 receptions for 854 yards and three touchdowns.
Dvoracek is a graduate of the adult and organizational development program and compiled a 3.51 GPA. He was a starter as a true freshman in 2012 and continued to play in 2013 before suffering what became a career-ending knee injury in the final game of that season. The Allentown, Pa., native continued to work with the football program as a student coach.
Friend is a graduate of the Fox School of Business with a 3.34 GPA in business management. The Carlisle, Pa., native is Temple's first three-time captain and was an anchor on the offensive line making 41 consecutive starts, and 43 overall, in his four seasons at Temple.
Mayes graduated last winter with a 3.39 GPA in engineering. The Downingtown, Pa., native was a fifth year senior and former walk on who became the kickoff specialist in 2015. A gifted athlete, he was a primary backup at kicker, punter, holder, and long snapper.
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.
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballDante Atton, 10/27/25
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Carl Hardin, 10/27/25
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K.C. Keeler, 10/27/25
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Demerick Morris, 10/25/25
Monday, October 27
