By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For all of the hard work the Tennessee Tech football team does on the field, there's an equal amount of work getting done in the classroom.

Three members of the Golden Eagle roster, in fact, have already earned their degrees and are continuing in their postgraduate studies before wrapping up their football careers: quarterback Luke Ward, tight end Clint Zierke and offensive lineman Ian Leever – a graduate transfer from Miami {Ohio).

In all levels of collegiate football, there are 1,452 student-athletes on the fields this season who have already earned their degrees.

Recently, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame recognized those players for the third season in a row.

"The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning in the organization's press release. "Highlighting the 1,439 student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing addition diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken fill advantage of the opportunities created by college football."

The list includes 964 players from 126 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision, 353 players from 82 schools in the Football Championship Subdivision, 116 players from 32 schools in Division II, seven players from six schools in Division III and 12 players from five schools in the NAIA.

The list of all 1,452 is available here.