IRVING, Texas – Washington State University had six football student-athletes named to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, it was announced Wednesday.
 
Included on the 2024 Hampshire Honor Society list from WSU were linebacker Joshua Erling, offensive lineman Ma'ake Fifita, edge rusher Brennan Jackson, kicker Dean Janikowski, linebacker Devin Richardson and long snapper Simon Samarzich.
 
"We are thrilled to honor a record number of athletes as part of this year's Hampshire Honor Society," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Over the last 18 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."
 
Erling, a redshirt senior from Snohomish, Wash., received his accounting degree from WSU after posting a 3.40 GPA. The linebacker who saw most of his action on special teams last season, was a four-time Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll member.
 
Fifita, an offensive lineman from Snohomish, Wash., saw action in 11 games this season at multiple positions on the offensive line. A mechanical engineering major with a 3.46 GPA, he is scheduled to graduate next month. Fifita was a four-time Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll selection.
 
Jackson, a graduate student from Temecula, Calif., concluded his Cougar career in 2023 as a four-time All-Pac-12 honoree, twice named to the second team as an edge rusher. He was a two-time Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll selection and nominated for the Pac-12 Football Senior Student-Athlete of the Year. Jackson carries a 3.84 GPA in his MBA program after receiving his undergraduate degree in business management.
 
Janikowski, a redshirt junior placekicker from Fallbrook, Calif., carries a 3.78 GPA in his MBA program after receiving his undergraduate degree in digital technology and culture. Janikowski earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors in 2022 and is four-time Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll pick.
 
Richardson, from a linebacker from Klein, Texas, completed his lone season in a Cougar uniform by registering 62 tackles, one sack and 2,5 tackles-for-loss, playing in all 12 games. Richardson graduates with a 3.25 GPA and a degree in kinesiology and health.
 
Samarzich, a four-year long snapper from Upland, Calif., will leave WSU with an undergraduate and graduate degree in sport management, boasting a 3.81 GPA in his master's program. During his Cougar career, Samarzich was a four-time Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll recipient.
  
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 2023; 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.