Navy Senior Outside Linebacker Xavier McDonald Nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Story LinksPlaying college football, attending school full time and giving back to the community is no small commitment. Yet, that's how 73 FBS Good Works Team nominees invest their time and that's why they were recommended for the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. ® "I'm impressed and inspired by these young men because they're incredible athletes and amazing human beings," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Good Works Team member. "When you give back to the community, it gives you purpose and can change your whole life – and the lives of others." The nominees spend their free time working to change lives by mentoring youth, feeding the hungry and donating their earnings. Some have even established their own non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. They've also maintained excellent grades and obtained Dean's List honors among other academic awards. "These bright young athletes are role models," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "We've celebrated thousands of college football players around the country for years, and they've had a huge impact on their communities and on society." A Panel Chooses the Team The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field. In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection panel members are: Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team); Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998); Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001); Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002); Wes Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN); Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); 2023 AFCA President and Ouachita Baptist University Head Coach Todd Knight; and 2014 AFCA President and former head coach at Ithaca College, Mike Welch. Fans Pick the Captain After the final team members are announced in September, fans can vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com/allstate. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season. "These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players' families and communities to applaud their inspirational work." Nomination Criteria Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining strong academic standing. The 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees are: Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Name School Elijah McAllister Auburn University Cade Beresford Boise State University Taji Johnson Boston College Odieu Hiliare Bowling Green State University Tyler Batty BYU Robi Stuart Central Michigan University Will Shipley Clemson University Ja'Mion Franklin Duke University Jeremy Lewis East Carolina University Brian Dooley Eastern Michigan University Jordan Travis Florida State University Levelle Bailey Fresno State LaMiles Brooks Georgia Tech Khalil Benson Indiana University Darien Porter Iowa State University X'Zauvea Gadlin Liberty University Mekhi Wingo LSU Tre Mosley Michigan State University Richard Kinley Middle Tennessee State University Jett Johnson Mississippi State University Joseph Shimko NC State University Jaylen Pate Northwestern University LaMareon James Old Dominion University Akili Arnold Oregon State University Dvon Ellies Penn State University Chike Anigbogu Rice University John Humphreys Stanford University Garrett Shrader Syracuse University Josh Newton TCU Jalen McMurray Temple University Max Wright Texas A&M University Alonzo Edwards Jr. Texas State University Tyler Shough Texas Tech University Xavier McDonald U.S. Naval Academy Max Michel University at Buffalo Seth McLaughlin University of Alabama Cam Little University of Arkansas Matthew Cindric University of California Jowon Briggs University of Cincinnati Valentin Senn University of Connecticut Devin Moore University of Florida Ladd McConkey University of Georgia Jack Freeman University of Houston Isaiah Williams University of Illinois Logan Lee University of Iowa Mason Fairchild University of Kansas Ashton Gillotte University of Louisville Jacob Likes University of Memphis Kamren Kinchens University of Miami (Fla.) Blake Corum University of Michigan Dragan Kesich University of Minnesota JJ Pegues University of Mississippi Darius Robinson University of Missouri Ethan Piper University of Nebraska Kaimon Rucker University of North Carolina Jaden Mickey University of Notre Dame Ethan Downs University of Oklahoma Gavin Bartholomew University of Pittsburgh Vershon Lee University of South Carolina Justin Dedich University of Southern California Jacob Warren University of Tennessee Christian Jones University of Texas De'Corian Clark University of Texas at San Antonio Daniel Bolden University of Toledo Chico Bennett University of Virginia Edefuan Ulofoshio University of Washington Alexander Smith University of Wisconsin Jordyn Morgan UNLV Jacob Garcia Utah State University Matt Johnson Virginia Tech Jaylen Hudson Wake Forest University Zach Frazier West Virginia University JaQues Evans Western Kentucky University