ɫapp student-athlete of Canfield, Ohio, was tabbed “Smartest Player in College Football” in released on June 16. The pre-medicine/biochemistry major and safety on the Kent State football team carries a 3.978 heading into his senior year.
A standout on the field and in the classroom, Italiano is a two-time Academic All-America selection, including first team honors in 2014. On the gridiron, he has made 195 career tackles, forced five fumbles and intercepted four passes, helping him earn spots on both Athlon and Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Mid-American Conference Second Teams.
When he is not studying opponents on film, Italiano is getting A’s in the classroom. He has just one B-plus in three years.
Also earning recognition in NFL.com’s 15 for ’15 series was junior receiver of Akron, Ohio, who was rated No. 12 among . Despite standing just under 5-6, Calhoun made 33 catches last season and led the Kent State Golden Flashes in all-purpose yards.
Kent State season tickets and family four-packs are on sale now. Single-game tickets and Pick 3 mini plans go on sale July 15.