Lehigh University Football: A Beacon of Excellence On and Off the Field
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In a remarkable display of talent and academic excellence, five Lehigh football student-athletes have earned a prestigious spot in the National Football Foundation’s Hampshire Honor Society for 2025. This esteemed recognition, announced Wednesday, celebrates those who shine on the gridiron and excel in their academic studies, embodying the essence of a true student-athlete.
Meet the Honorees
The Mountain Hawks are proud to highlight Jordan Adderley, Mike DeNucci, Tucker Knupp, George Padezanin, and Dillon Sheehan—each a testament to hard work, dedication, and skill.
Jordan Adderley: Cornerstone of Defense
A cornerback with exceptional agility, Adderley boasts a commendable 3.72 GPA as a journalism major. Over the past season, he showcased his defensive prowess by participating in 11 games, contributing 34 tackles, an interception, and eight pass breakups. Adderley’s combination of athleticism and academic commitment exemplifies what it means to be an elite student-athlete.
Learn more about Jordan Adderley’s career here.
Mike DeNucci: Defensive Dynamo
A standout linebacker, Mike DeNucci made waves last season, earning first-team honors in both the Patriot League and ECAC. With 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks, he was a formidable presence on the field. Balancing academics and athletics, DeNucci holds a 3.22 GPA in finance while pursuing his master’s degree in business analytics. His contributions extend beyond the field as he was also a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
Discover more about Mike DeNucci here.
Tucker Knupp: Scholar-Athlete Extraordinaire
Recognized with the Scholar-Athlete Award at Lehigh’s season-ending banquet, Knupp is a materials science and engineering major boasting a 3.55 GPA. He showed versatility by playing in 12 games, primarily on special teams, and finished the season with eight tackles and a tackle for loss. His dedication to both academics and football truly stands out.
Explore Tucker Knupp’s journey here.
George Padezanin: Offensive Force
George Padezanin, an honorably mentioned AP All-American, plays a pivotal role as the anchor of an offensive line that has consistently ranked among the top rushing attacks in the FCS. With a 3.29 GPA in industrial and systems engineering, Padezanin’s contributions are indispensable both academically and athletically.
Learn more about George Padezanin here.
Dillon Sheehan: Defensive Wall
Completing the impressive lineup is Dillon Sheehan, an accounting major with a solid 3.55 GPA. Taking part in all 13 games last season, he was influential in the defensive line rotation, tallying 18 tackles (including 2.5 tackles for loss) and marking his first career sack against Lafayette. Sheehan’s performance underscores his dedication to excellence.
Check out Dillon Sheehan’s profile here.
The Impact of the Hampshire Honor Society
In 2025, a record 2,532 players from 339 schools were recognized, reflecting the commitment of student-athletes across the country to both their sport and their academic careers. Since the initiation of the Hampshire Honor Society, more than 20,946 student-athletes have been acknowledged for their accomplishments.
For Lehigh University, this marks the 12th time in 13 seasons that at least one football student-athlete has been named to this prestigious society, illustrating the university’s ongoing dedication to developing exceptional individuals both on and off the field.
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Lehigh University’s football program continues to shine, setting a benchmark for excellence in sports and academics.
