Southland Release

FRISCO, Texas – The Nicholls State University football team had five players – senior offensive lineman Gerald Gruenig, senior linebacker Kerry Guidry, junior defensive back Jordan Hanberry, sophomore wide receiver Josh Hanberry and junior quarterback Landry Klann – named Southland Conference All-Academic, announced the conference office Tuesday.

Nicholls and Northwestern State tied for the most members on the team with five, while each other school was represented on the list with at least one player. It marks the fourth consecutive season where Nicholls has had multiple honorees. Under head coach Charlie Stubbs, nine Colonels have been named Southland All-Academic including the 2010 football student-athlete of the year, Patrick Dolan.

“I can't say enough about the accomplishments of these young men. Not only did they excel in the classroom, but each one was a productive player on the field,” Coach Stubbs said. “Our No. 1 priority at Nicholls is for our student-athletes to earn their degree, and for these players to be recognized for going above and beyond in the classroom is extremely rewarding.”

In all, Nicholls had nine players nominated for the Southland Conference All-Academic Team. Each nominee must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average, completed at least one full academic year and participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games.

Gruenig, a New Orleans native, registered a 3.22 grade point average in mass communications. On the field, Gruenig anchored the offensive line, starting all 11 games at center.

Guidry, a native of Houma La., earned a degree in allied health in December.  A 2011 SLC-All Academic selection, Guidry posted a 3.39 GPA and is currently enrolled at Texas Chiropractic College. He started seven of nine games played for the Colonels, finishing third on the team in tackles (53). Guidry also added two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

A native of River Ridge, La., Jordan Hanberry earned all-academic for the second straight season with a 4.0 GPA in biology/pre-med. Hanberry saw limited action on the gridiron, tallying nine tackles and a half sack in six games.

Josh Hanberry joined his older brother on the all-academic team after posting a 3.91 GPA in business/law. Hanberry had a solid sophomore campaign for the Colonels, catching 22 balls for 308 yards receiving, which were the second-most yards on the team. Hanberry was also the primary kick returner, racking up 569 yards on 31 returns (19.2 ypr).

Klann, from San Antonio, rounds out the honorees after registering a 3.53 GPA in education. Klann, in his first season as the starting quarterback, directed the Southland's third best passing offense (222.1 ypg). He finished the season with 2,049 yards passing and eight touchdowns, becoming the first Colonel to throw for over 2,000 yards since 1998.