Orono, Maine -- Michael Gerace and Shawn Bowman have each been named to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame 2023 NFF Hampshire Honor Society.

Gerace and Bowman were two of only 40 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) football student-athletes to earn the honor.

Gerace achieved the prestigious UMaine Dean Smith Award in 2023, presented annually to the top male and female scholar athletes at UMaine. He earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting and finance and is currently pursuing his masters in business administration. A two-year captain, Gerace earned All-CAA second team honors in 2021 and 2022 and was a Campbell Trophy semifinalist in 2022. He made 46 starts on the offensive line for Maine during his career, including a span of 45-straight starts.

Bowman, a double major in kinesiology teaching/coaching and kinesiology exercise science with a minor in education, will be starting a graduate certificate in classroom technology integrationist in May. In eight games this past season, Bowman posted career-highs in receptions (31), receiving yards (377) and ranked second on the team with five touchdown receptions.

The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of standout college football players from all divisions who completed their final year of eligibility, attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 and were starters or significant contributors during the 2022 season.

"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."

-UMaine-