WEST HAVEN, Conn. – University of New Haven graduate student quarterback Connor Degenhardt (Westford, Mass./Westford Academy) has been named the Miles McPherson Football Most Valuable Player for the 2021-22 academic year and was recognized at the Department's Athletics and Senior Awards Bar-B-Que on Sunday, May 1 on the Blue & Gold Turf of DellaCamera Stadium.

A Northeast-10 All-Conference Second Team selection and one of eight nominees for the Harlon Hill Award for Super Region I, Degenhardt led the Chargers to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs following a home win over Bentley.

The Holy Cross transfer started all 12 games under center and threw for 2,122 yards and 18 touchdowns, third most in the NE10. In addition, he ran in a team-best 15 touchdowns which was the second most in the conference. For the season, he completed 166 of 280 passes and threw just four interceptions, tied for the lowest among league starters. In addition, he finished the year 17th in the nation in points responsible for with 198 and 29th in all of Division II with points scored with 90.

Degenhardt and the Chargers closed out the 2021 season with a 10-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0 mark in the Northeast-10. Included was the 12th straight win over cross-town rival Southern Connecticut State University, including the 11th straight Battle of the Elm City.