BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The Northeast Conference recognized seven Long Island University football student-athletes on Wednesday, April 14, naming them to the league's all-conference squads after outstanding Spring 2021 seasons.
 
Offensive lineman Dareus Smith and defensive lineman Joe Amalfitano garnered first-team selections, while running back Jonathan DeBique, offensive lineman Sam Howson, defensive lineman Anthony Lavio, linebacker Ricco Aaron, Jr., and kicker Paul Inzerillo earned second-team accolades.
 
Smith and Howson led an offensive line that helped LIU to 144 rushing yards per game this season. The Sharks also conceded just six sacks over the four games. DeBique led the rushing efforts for the Blue and Gold, netting 360 yards on 59 carries for an average of 6.1 yards per attempt. DeBique found the end zone twice and eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice, rushing for a career-high 154 yards at Merrimack.
 
Amalfitano, Aaron, and Lavio started all four contests on the defensive side of the ball. Amalfitano posted six tackles on the year, but made the biggest impact off of the stat sheet, drawing several double-teams and creating constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The senior defended four passes and notched three official quarterback hurries. Aaron was an outstanding force all season for the Sharks, compiling 39 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. During the season-opener against Bryant, Aaron notched 11 tackles and a pick-six, garnering NEC Player of the Week accolades for the performance.
 
Lavio compiled 10 tackles on the defensive line, including a half tackle for loss. In addition, he added one fumble recovery, one pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries. Lavio notched five tackles during wins over Bryant and Merrimack.
 
Inzerillo rounds out the LIU honorees after a great first season with the Sharks. The Staten Island native finished 2-for-3 on field-goal attempts and a perfect 7-for-7 on extra-point attempts. Against Merrimack, Inzerillo drilled a 43-yard field goal and knocked home four extra points to lead the Sharks to the win, earning player of the week honors.
 
The Sharks finished the abbreviated spring season with a 2-2 record, finishing in third place in the conference standings.