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Bridgewater, NJ — Twenty-two NEC football student-athletes earned spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Team.

Academic All-District® recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and compete in at least 90 percent of their team's games or start at least 66 percent.

Duquesne led the way with six honorees, highlighted by graduate offensive lineman Kevin Kurzinger (State College, PA/State College Area), a three-time NEC Academic Honor Roll member and two-time team captain who earned the distinction for the third time in his career. Saint Francis followed with five Academic All-District® members, while two-time defending champion Central Connecticut and New Haven had four honorees apiece. Mercyhurst rounded out the NEC's selections with three student-athletes landing on the team.

The 2025 Academic All-District® Football Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

Academic All-District® honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America selections are chosen from among 2,500+ nominations. For more information about CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

NEC CSC ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT® HONOREES

Central Connecticut (4):
Reggie Darkah, Sr, DE
Dekavis Preston, Gr, DB
Zach Rezaoiu, R-Fr, OL
TJ Shittu, So, LB

Duquesne (6):
Jackson Farrell, Jr, OL
Kevin Kurzinger, Gr, DL
Nico Pate, R-Jr, DL
Tyler Rieger, R-Sr, LS
Evan Rordam, So, OL
Daniel Tarabrella, Jr, TE

Mercyhurst (3):
Braylon Beckwith, So, DB
Jeff Leavell, Jr, LB
Anthony Mackey, Sr, DB

New Haven (4):
AJ Duffy, Jr, QB
Joe Fragale, Jr, K/P
Brian Hannibal, Sr, OL
Pete Melle, Gr, DL

Saint Francis (5): 
Geno Calgaro, So, LB
Michael Darcy, Sr, TE
Collin Glassmyer, R-So, LB
Ike Okoye, Gr, DL
Corey Williams, R-Fr, S