SUNY Cortland’s Lardaro Named Academic All-American
SUNY Cortland senior defensive lineman Nick Lardaro has been selected to the 2024 college Sports Communicators (CSC) academic All-America® Football NCAA Division III Team. Lardaro earned second team recognition.
The CSC Academic All-America® programme recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined achievements on the field and in the classroom. To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold a 3.30 GPA or above,and be a starter or key reserve for their team.
Lardaro, who boasts a 3.55 GPA as an adolescence education major with a concentration in mathematics, capped off an outstanding 2024 season. He was named a Division III All-American by four different organizations: Associated Press first team, AFCA second team, D3football.com third team, and a Walter camp honoree. Lardaro was also the 2024 Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-E8 first-team honors for the fourth consecutive year.
During the 2024 season, Lardaro recorded 42 tackles, including 20 solo tackles, in 12 games. He amassed 11.5 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks, along with five pass breakups, 19 quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. In key road wins against Susquehanna and Brockport, Lardaro made six tackles each. He also made five stops in a home victory versus St. John Fisher. In the Susquehanna game, a current national semifinalist, Lardaro forced a fumble with under four minutes remaining and Cortland holding a 33-31 lead, helping secure the red Dragons’ eventual 40-38 victory.
Over his extraordinary 46-game career, Lardaro has registered 140 tackles, including 24 sacks and 48.5 tackles for loss. He has also tallied 11 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, an interception, and a blocked kick.
What are the eligibility criteria for being named an Academic all-American by the College Sports Communicators (CSC)?
SUNY Cortland’s Lardaro Named Academic All-American
SUNY Cortland senior defensive lineman Nick lardaro has been selected to the 2024 college Sports Communicators (CSC) academic All-America® Football NCAA Division III Team. Lardaro earned second team recognition.
The CSC Academic All-America® program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined achievements on the field and in the classroom. To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold a 3.30 GPA or above,and be a starter or key reserve for their team.
Lardaro, who boasts a 3.55 GPA as an adolescence education major with a concentration in mathematics, capped off an outstanding 2024 season. He was named a Division III All-American by four different organizations: Associated Press first team, AFCA second team, D3football.com third team, and a Walter camp honoree. Lardaro was also the 2024 Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-E8 first-team honors for the fourth consecutive year.
During the 2024 season, Lardaro recorded 42 tackles, including 20 solo tackles, in 12 games. He amassed 11.5 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks,along with five pass breakups,19 quarterback hurries,and a forced fumble. In key road wins against Susquehanna and Brockport, lardaro made six tackles each. He also made five stops in a home victory versus St. John Fisher. in the Susquehanna game, a current national semifinalist, Lardaro forced a fumble with under four minutes remaining and Cortland holding a 33-31 lead, helping secure the red Dragons’ eventual 40-38 victory.
Over his extraordinary 46-game career, Lardaro has registered 140 tackles, including 24 sacks and 48.5 tackles for loss. He has also tallied 11 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, an interception, and a blocked kick.
Q&A with Nick Lardaro
Q: What does it mean to be named an Academic All-American?
A: Being named an Academic all-American is a tremendous honor.It recognizes the dedication and hard work I’ve put into both my academics and athletics. It shows that it’s possible to excel in both areas.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to pursue a career in education, hopefully as a high school math teacher. I’m passionate about helping young peopel learn and grow.
Q: What advice would you give to young athletes who are trying to balance academics and sports?
A: Time management is key. Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate time to both your studies and your sport.Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your coaches, teachers, or family when you need it.
Lardaro’s accomplishments both on and off the field serve as an inspiration to aspiring student-athletes. Read more about his remarkable journey!
