The 2014 fall semester was a record-setting one for the Penn State football team as 51 players — including 21 true freshmen — earned GPAs of 3.0 or higher, while 25 players were named to the Dean’s List. In total, 57 players recorded cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0, a new program record.

The 51 student-athletes recording 3.0 GPAs or higher during the 2014 fall semester is the second-highest total in the program’s history, trailing only the team’s 2008 fall semester mark of 55 players, according to a release from the team. The 25 players that received Dean’s List honors recorded GPAs of 3.5 or higher while passing a minimum of 12 credits. The team’s figure of 25 Dean’s List honorees for the 2014 fall semester nearly doubles last year’s total of 13 recipients and is a new program record. The previous high was 20 recipients, set in the fall of 2012.

“We take a great deal of pride in our academic performance and we are committed to a high level of success and achievement in the classroom and on the field,” Franklin said. “I have been so impressed by the dedication, work ethic, and pride our players have demonstrated with all their academic and team responsibilities. We want our players to have the complete student-athlete experience at Penn State!”

Redshirt sophomore kick snapper Tyler Yazujian was the brightest of the bunch, recording a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall semester, bringing his impressive cumulative GPA of 3.86 into the spring semester.

Among the players who received Dean’s List honors were tight end Adam Breneman, tackle Brendan Brosnan, tight end Kyle Carter, kicker Sam Ficken, punter Chris Gulla, and quarterback Trace McSorley. Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Saaed Blacknall and safety Marcus Allen were among the 21 true freshmen to record 3.0 GPAs or higher.

The impressive academic showing only continues a long history of academic success from Penn State’s student-athletes, and helps keep Penn State among the nation’s elite for academic success.

Photo: Cameron Hart