CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — 

Coast Guard Academy running back Harrison Hensley (Riverview, Fla.) has been named 2025's first recipient of the weekly New England Football Writers Association's (NEFW) Division II/III Gold Helmet Award.

The honor recognizes the best single-game performances in a given week by football athletes from New England-based NCAA institutions. Two players are honored each week, one from the Division I level (FBS and FCS combined) and one between Divisions II and III. Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergen received the Division I variant of this week's award.

From NEFW's release: "Hensley, from Riverview, Fla., and a graduate of Riverview High School, rushed 30 times for 324 yards and touchdowns of six, eight, 26, and 57 yards in a gut-wrenching 56-49 overtime loss at the University of New England. Hensley also had five receptions for 67 yards, including a long gain of 41 yards, to account for 391 yards total offense for the Bears."

Hensley set the Academy record for rushing yards in a single game, as well, breaking 2023 graduate Spencer McMillion's former record of 285 yards set in 2022 against Anna Maria College. McMillion also earned the Gold Helmet for his performance in that game, scoring five touchdowns in addition to his yardage total. It was the last time a Bear earned the honor before Hensley.

For more information on the NEFW and the Gold Helmet Award, visit the official New England Football Writers Association website. The official NEFW release for this week's Gold Helmet awards can be found at the link below.

OFFICIAL NEFW RELEASE