Henry Gross, a linebacker for Carroll College, has been nominated for the 2026 A.O. Duer Scholarship Award by the Frontier Conference, recognizing his excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. This award honors one male and female NAIA junior student-athlete embodying scholarship, character, and citizenship. Gross has demonstrated impressive athletic performance, earning Honorable Mention All-Frontier Conference-West while also excelling academically and participating in multiple campus leadership roles. He was previously recognized as an NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and has engaged in significant community service efforts, including a dental mission trip to Ghana. Gross is the first nominee from the Frontier Conference since 2024 and will contend for the national award announced this September.

By the Numbers
  • Gross recorded 49 tackles, 4 sacks, and 9.5 tackles-for-loss this past season.
  • He has earned Academic All-District honors for two consecutive seasons and is a two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete.
State of Play
  • Gross stands out as a student-athlete with a well-rounded profile in academics and athletics.
  • His leadership roles include being a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and president of the Pre-Dental Club.
What's Next

Gross will advance to the national ballot for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award, with winners to be announced on NAIA Awards Day in September 2026. His performance and leadership may set a precedent for future nominees from the Frontier Conference.

Bottom Line

Henry Gross's nomination underscores the importance of balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement and community service, making him a standout candidate for national recognition.