Football places four on NEFWA All-New England Teams

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- The Bryant University football team had four players named to the New England Football Writers Association All-New England team that was announced on Monday. 

Seniors Joe Andreessen and Kenny Dyson Jr. were named to the defensive team, junior Landon Ruggieri was one of three wide receivers selected and senior Anthony Frederick was selected as the kickoff return specialist. 

Andreessen enjoyed a stellar season for the Black and Gold, finishing with a single-season school record 116.0 tackles. He also added 4.0 sacks, 18.5 TFLs, two interceptions and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Andreessen ranked eighth nationally with 10.5 tackles per game and eighth nationally with 1.7 TFLs per game. In addition to this honor, Andreessen was also named to the All-Big South First Team and is a finalist for the FCS Buck Buchanan Award. 

Dyson Jr. had a career year up front for the Bulldogs, posting a career-high 8.5 sacks. He finished second in the Big South in sacks and ranked 14th nationally in the category. Dyson Jr. collected a sack in seven of Bryant's 11 games this fall. 

Ruggieri put together one of the greatest seasons for a wide receiver in school history this fall, breaking the 10-year old school record with 65 receptions. He finished with 986 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Ruggieri's 986 receiving yards are the third-most in a single season in school history, while his five 100-yard receiving games are the most by a Bulldog since 2017. 

Frederick earns All-New England honors after collecting Big South Special Teams Player of the Year honors. He finished the season ranked first nationally with 901 return yards and fourth nationally in kick return average (30.0). Frederick had a historic day against Brown, returning five kicks for a single-game record 197 yards and a touchdown.