COLLEGE PARK, Md. – University of Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie has been recognized for his academic achievements as he was selected to the National Football Foundation's (NFF) 2020 Hampshire Honor Society, it was announced on Wednesday.

In order to be considered for membership in the Hampshire Honor Society, a player must be a starter or significant contributor in his last year of eligibility and maintain a cumulative 3.2 grade-point-average or higher throughout the course of his undergraduate study at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, or an NAIA college or university.

McKennie has graduated with a bachelor's degree in government and politics and is completing his master's degree in public policy. A 2019 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection, McKennie started at multiple positions along the offensive line for the Terps and was voted as a team captain. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, McKennie was elected to the University Senate for the 2019-20 school year.

The NFF Hampshire Honor Society capitalizes on the NFF's current National Scholar-Athlete program by greatly expanding the number of student-athletes the NFF can recognize each year. Jon F. Hanson, the chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies and NFF Chairman Emeritus, provided the endowment to launch the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2007. Celebrating its 14th year in 2020, the initiative has previously honored 10,695 student-athletes since its inception.