Harvard football linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski was honored as the recipient of the 54th Nils V. "Swede" Nelson Award yesterday, an accolade presented annually to the "best, most academically talented" college football player in New England.

The senior has been a standout in the Harvard front-seven for four years, and is the first player in school history to start for all 40 career games.

Kacyvenski broke a number of records in his senior year, including tackles in a game (20) and in a season (108), and finished his career with a record 395 tackles.

Off the gridiron, Kacyvenski carries a 3.15 GPA as an Environmental Science and Public Policy concentrator and has satisfied his pre-med. requirements. After pursuing a career in professional football, the defensive standout plans to attend medical school.

Kacyvenski is the third Crimson player to receive the award and the first in 25 years. The award's namesake, Nils Nelson, graduated from Harvard in 1918, and played under legendary Crimson coach Percy Haughton, Class of 1899.

Kacyvenski will receive the award on Wednesday, December 8, at the Caruso Diplomat in Saugus during the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston's College Awards night.

-PETER D. HENNINGER