IRVING, Texas -- Former San Diego State football players Matt Araiza, Daniel Bellinger, Elijah Kothe, Segun Olubi and Cameron Thomas were each named to the 2022 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday. To be eligible for the award, the athlete must own at least a 3.2 undergraduate GPA, complete his final year of eligibility in 2021 and be a starter or significant contributor throughout the 2021 campaign.
Araiza set an FBS record for punt average in a season last year at 51.19 en route to winning the Ray Guy Award for the nation's best punter while becoming SDSU's second unanimous first-team All-American, making the Walter Camp, FWAA, AP, Sporting News and AFCA teams Araiza was also a first-team All-America selection by numerous other outlets and was the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. Araiza had a 3.44 cumulative GPA while majoring in interdisciplinary studies.
Bellinger, meanwhile, logged 31 catches for 357 yards (11.5 avg.) with two touchdowns while being one of the best blocking tight ends in the country. A team captain, Bellinger logged a 3.47 cumulative GPA, majoring in business finance.
Kothe equaled Bellinger with 31 receptions for 418 yards (13.5 avg.) and one touchdown as a wide receiver. Kothe majored in business management and earned a 3.63 cumulative GPA.
Olubi totaled 53 tackles at linebacker, including 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. A former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship prior to his final season and was also named a team captain, Olubi had a 3.62 cumulative GPA, while majoring in economics.
Thomas was named the MW Defensive Player of the Year following a season that saw him record 71 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hurries. For his efforts, Thomas was also named a first-team All-America pick by The Athletic, and a second-team selection by four of the five organizations which comprise the unanimous All-America squad - Walter Camp, FWAA, AP and Sporting News (among others). Thomas owned a 3.28 GPA and majored in social science.
San Diego State finished the 2021 season ranked 25th in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll with a 12-2 record. Playing in its 99th season of football, SDSU had a school-record 12 victories and was one of just 10 programs nationally with at least 12 victories. Only four teams had more wins than the Aztecs, including national champion Georgia, and CFP teams Alabama and Cincinnati. San Diego State played five teams who reached double-digit victories on the season, securing wins over Pac-12 Champion/Rose Bowl participant Utah (10-4), UTSA (12-2) and Air Force (10-3).
The Aztecs kick off their inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium on Sept. 3 against Arizona.
Those interested in securing season tickets or learning more can submit a Ticket Interest Form at https://snapdragonstadium.com, call (619) 283-7378, or email seating@snapdragonstadium.com.