By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University football players Joseph Blanc (Sr., DL, Simi Valley, CA/Royal HS/L.A. Pierce College) and Hans Lehndorff (Sr., DL, Boulder, CO/Boulder HS) have been chosen for the 10th annual class of the Hampshire Honor Society, sponsored by the National Football Foundation. The Hampshire Honor Society recognizes college football players from all divisions who are seniors and have maintained at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average during their careers.
Blanc and Lehndorff completed their football eligibility during the 2015 season.
The Hampshire Honor Society class of 2016 includes 875 players from 278 colleges and universities. It is the largest induction class since the Hampshire Honor Society was started in 2007. This year's athletes were nominated after completing the fall semester in 2015.
Since 2007, a total of 37 Bearcats have been selected for the Hampshire Honor Society. The Bearcats have had at least one selection in nine of the 10 season.
While playing for the Bearcats over the past four years, Blanc and Lehdnorff helped Willamette earn a combined record of 22-15 (.595).
NFF Hampshire Honor Society Class of 2016
Joseph Blanc (Sr., DE) was a member of the Willamette football team for two seasons after playing one season at College of the Canyons and one season at L.A. Pierce College.
He saw action in all nine games in 2015 and recorded 19 total tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss. He forced a fumble, was credited with one quarterback hurry, and earned 2.5 quarterback sacks. He earned six tackles in Willamettes' 10-9 win at Pacific Lutheran University on Oct. 10. He played in 16 games during his two years with the Bearcats and achieved 21 total tackles.
Blanc is majoring in Economics. He is working on a minor in Civic Communication and Media. He held a 3.39 cumulative grade point average through the fall semester.
Hans Lehndorff (Sr., DL) played in 27 games in his Willamette career. He registered 23 career total tackles, including 12 unassisted stops. He registered 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks.
In 2015, Lehndorff played in seven games and recorded nine tackles. He was credited with one quarterback sack.
Lehndorff also competes in track and field at Willamette. He is ranked third all-time for the Bearcats in the discus throw at 158' 2" and is fifth all-time in the shot put at 52' 5.25".
At Willamette, he is finishing a double major in Economics and Religious Studies. He entered the spring semester with a 3.92 cumulative GPA. Lehndorff will graduate on May 15.
Qualifications for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
Being a starter or significant substitute in the last year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III or NAIA college or university. Achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout undergraduate study. Meeting all NCAA-mandated progress-toward-degree requirements
Willamette Football Players in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
2015-16
Joseph Blanc, DL
Hans Lehndorff, DL
2014-15
Matt Holder, DL
Jack Nelson, ILB
Daley Smith, CB
Ryan Springer, OG
Shawn Wong, WR/KR
2013-14
Wyatt Briggs, DE
Kyle Davey, DE
Josh Dean, QB
Kyle Derby, PK
Joseph Harman, WR
Cuyler Hudson, OL
Ryan Johnston, WR
T.J. Matsumoto, FS
Matt Parr, ILB
2012-13
Jake Knecht, WR
Tommy Laird, PK
Matt Millar, DE
Cody Pastorino, S
Jake Turner, WR
Wes Wenzel, ILB
Zane Wise, OG
2011-12
Harmon Bruno, OLB
Ben Kittelson, OT
Kenny Miller, C/OG
2010-11
Luis Guerra, OT/OG
Scott Schoettgen, WR
Dennis Plzak, OG
2008-09
Jack Bevins, ILB
2007-08
Matt Bicocca, PK
Justin Cole, OG
Ben Fennimore, FS
Stephen Shamus, LS
Kevin Whipps, QB
2006-07
Kevin Dean, FB
Ben Weyerhaeuser, ILB