Salem, VA --- Senior linebacker Tyler Russell (Princeton, MA) has been selected as one of 10 players to represent the New England Football Conference and Worcester State University at the Division III North-South Senior Classic which will take place this Friday, December 3 in Salem, Virginia.
Russell is one of 48 on the north roster which will be coached by the staff at Springfield College.
Russell, who was named the Co-NEFC Bogan Division Player of the Year two weeks ago, was instrumental in helping lead the charge for the Lancers this season, who finished the season at 5-5 (3-4 NEFC Bogan).
Russell eclipsed the school record with tackling totals of 167 tackles, 92 of which were solo hits as his average was an eye-popping 16.7 per game. Despite finishing the season a month ago on November 6, Russell is still ranked first in the NCAA Division III in solo stops and second in the other two categories.
Russell also ended the season with 12.5 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
The other selections from the NEFC include Anthony Pappagallo (Malden, MA - S) and David Leach (Chelmsford, MA - RB) of Framingham State, Dylan Chandler (Durham, ME - LB) of WNEC and Mike Fitzgerald (Wilmington, MA - WR) of MIT. Curry and Salve Regina each have three representatives apiece as Kenniel Velez (Brockton, MA - DL), Dennis Void (Brookhaven, PA - RB) and Matt Alksnisis (Ordell, NJ - K/P) will each be on the squad for the Colonels while John Fall (Brooklyn, NY - DL), Dustin Weisel (Milford Square, PA - OL) and Nick Jentz (Little Ferry, NJ - S) will be on the team for the Seahawks.
The Division III Senior Football Classic in its third season is sponsored by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL) which presents the game in a North-South format. The South team will be coached by Maryville College.