Dec. 10, 2008

Brian Day followed his Danvers neighbor, Nick Hennessey, to Colgate University, and now Nick might be following Day to the professional ranks.

Before he even signed on with Colgate, Day was already drafted by the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, and now Hennessey hopes for his shot in the National Football League as a six-foot-six, 300-pound offensive tackle, who has been a part of two playoff teams for the Division 1 Red Raiders playing in the Patriot League.

Their latest postseason appearance was short-lived, however, when they lost to Villanova on Nov. 29.

Individually, there have been plenty of accomplishments coming out of the Hennessey camp. As a sophomore, he started all 11 games at right offensive tackle to earn a varsity letter, helping Colgate generate 356.8 yards in total offense, second best in the league, and as one unit the line gave up only 1.27 quarterback sacks per game.

The 2004 Danvers High School graduate made second team All-Patriot League in his junior campaign, while never missing a beat once again in all 11 games for Colgate. He was instrumental in helping the Red Raiders to finish first in the league in rushing with 195.6 yards per game. He even had one tackle against the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

This past season, Hennessey was selected first team All-Patriot League, along with eight of his teammates. As a team, the Red Raiders were 5-0 in the league, and 9-2 overall after winning their last eight regular season games in 2008.

For the complete article by Joe McConnell of the Danvers (Mass.) Herald click here