Six area football players have been recognized as their respective school’s scholar athletes as part of the Lehigh Valley Chapter National Football Foundation.

They will be honored on a “pre-produced” presentation banquet since the actual banquet won’t be held due to COVID-19.

The six players honored include Jim Thorpe’s Derek Hunter, Lehighton’s Michael Yeakel, Northern Lehigh’s JD Hunter, Northwestern’s Michael Rader, Palmerton’s Tim Iles, and Pleasant Valley’s Jack Kaye.

A total of 33 players from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area will be recognized.

Others being recognized include Allen’s Andrew Mumma, Central Catholic’s Jack McGorry, Bangor’s Jared Reto, Bethlehem Catholic’s Ian Kish, Catasauqua’s Tyler Monahan, Dieruff’s Ryan Chatieh, East Stroudsburg North’s Shane Gagnon, East Stroudsburg South’s William Fish, Easton’s Dominic Falcone, Emmaus’ Tanner Ritter, Freedom’s Frank Cierech, Liberty’s Alexander Sahaydak, Nazareth’s Richard Bugbee, Northampton’s Jonathon Mannino, Notre Dame’s Robert Spirk, Palisades’ Zachary Smith, Parkland’s Isiah Rico, Pen Argyl’s Jared Albanese, Phillipsburg’s Jacob Hille, Pocono Mountain East’s Andrew Ball, Pocono Mountain West’s Sam Odeh, Salisbury’s Chad Parton, Saucon Valley’s David Osman, Southern Lehigh’s Tristan Rice, Stroudsburg’s Matthew Trbuza, Whitehall’s Angelo Daddona, and Wilson’s Luke Miller.

The pre-taped event will be televised by Blue Ridge and Service Electric Sunday at 7 p.m. with both airing replays on Monday.

Bios on the six area players follow below:

Derek Hunter, Jim Thorpe

A 6-2, 289-pound defensive tackle, Hunter ranks 33rd out of 76 students. He is an Honor Roll student who earned Pennsylvania Football News First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference defensive honors.

Hunter, who also participates in wrestling, volunteers cleaning his church, coaches youth wrestling, and helps special needs students at an annual fishing derby.

Michael Yeakel, Lehighton

A 6-2, 265-pound offensive guards and defensive tackle, Yeakel ranks 36th out of 184 students. He is an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and has a weighted GPA of 3.84 and a simple GPA of 3.583.

Yeakel participates in varsity wrestling and also plays in the school’s band. He volunteers annually at a youth football camp.

JD Hunter, Northern Lehigh

A 5-8, 230-pound center and defensive tackle, Hunter ranks 12th out of 119 students. He is an Honor Roll student who has attained a 4.20 GPA.

Hunter also participates in varsity wrestling and ice hockey. He is active in his community.

Michael Rader, N’western

A 5-10, 170-pound running back and linebacker, Rader ranks 36th out of 179 students. He is an Honor Roll sudent, a member of the National Honor Society, and the Science Curricular Honor Society.

He is a member of the SADD and Key Clubs, a Sunday School volunteer and is active in his community.

Tim Iles, Palmerton

A 5-10, 205-pound guard and defensive tackle, Iles ranks sixth out of 122. He is an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and carries a GPA of 4.24.

Iles is a Spanish academic tutor, participates in varisty track, FBLA, the Environmental Club, Aevidum, and the Gridiron Club. He also volunteers with Tri-State Bassett Hound Rescue, Carbon County Friends of Animals, the Palmerton Library, and community projects associated with football.

Jack Kaye, Pleasant Valley

A 5-9, 150-pound placekicker and kickoff specialist, Kaye ranks sixth out of 369 students. He is an Honor Roll student, a member of National Honor Society, and a Curricular Honor Society member.

Kaye is a class officer and also particpates in varisty lacrosse. He is a Future Business Leaders of America representative and is active with the Boy Scouts, performing road cleanups and helping with other Eagle Scout projects.