IRVING, Texas  – Washington State University edge rusher Brennan Jackson and defensive lineman Christian Mejia were each named to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame 2023 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, it was announced Wednesday.
 
"We are thrilled to honor another impressive group of athletes as part of this year's Hampshire Honor Society," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Over the last 17 years, the Hampshire Honor Society has served as 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 in all aspects of their lives."
 
Jackson, a graduate student from Temecula, Calif., concluded last season by earning his third career all-conference accolade, a second-team selection in 2022, after receiving honorable mention the previous two seasons. He recorded 39 tackles, tied for fifth in the Pac-12 with 11 tackles-for-loss including a team-high five sacks. Jackson also forced one fumble, broke up two passes and led the team with 45 quarterback pressures. In the classroom, he carries a 3.76 GPA while working towards his MBA degree after completing his undergraduate degree in business management.
 
Mejia, from Kailua, Hawaii, capped his Cougar career last fall by appearing in 12 games, 10 in a starting role. The lone game he missed occurred the day his wife gave birth to their first child. Mejia totaled 32 tackles, five tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks during the 2022 season, with two passes defended. For his career, he saw action in 28 games, totaled 52 tackles, 8.5 TFL's and 3.5 sacks. He completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and is working on his master's degree in the same field, where he currently holds a 3.72 GPA.
 
An elite group of 1,734 players from 328 schools qualified for membership in 2023, setting a new record for the number of members in a single year during the program's 17-year history. The initiative has now honored 16,370 student-athletes since its inception.
 
Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must have:

• A senior player, who will graduate this spring/summer, and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2022; or
• A graduated player, who has been out of high school at least (3) years;

And must have:

• Attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale); and
• Been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2022 season.