Roanoke Sun

Allstate Insurance Company issued the following announcement on Sept. 24.

Allstate is pledging $1 million to honor the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, as well as their non-profits of choice, for their remarkable commitment to community service. Made possible by new NCAA Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules, Allstate has an opportunity to financially empower athletes who serve their communities, opening the door to new possibilities for players and beyond.

This is the largest NIL investment yet for community impact by a college football sponsor—and insurer. Unlike other recent NIL announcements, Allstate is financially empowering players in recognition for their work in local communities, not just their performance on the field. Community leadership aligns with Allstate’s values and is part of its longstanding commitment to creating positive societal change.

“Every year, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team embodies the best of college athletics. These players have a positive impact in society,” said Emmanuel Acho, former NFL linebacker, television analyst and 2011 Good Works Team alumnus. “To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is an honor. By rewarding these players for the impact they have on their communities, Allstate is truly demonstrating its commitment to making a difference across the country.”

Highlights of the roster include:

• Vanderbilt linebacker Elijah McAllister who participates in superhero-themed events and raises funds for pediatric cancer research through Turner’s Heroes
• South Dakota defensive lineman DeValon Whitcomb who works with The Simple Foundation to provide opportunities for underserved youth programing that cultivate life skills and promote physical and emotional well-being
• Clemson running back Darien Rencher who volunteers with Call Me MISTER, an initiative to increase the pool of available teachers from more diverse backgrounds
• USC Quarterback Mo Hasan who works with his teammates to distribute food to the homeless

“We dedicate resources to financially empower people,” said Terrance Williams, Good Works Team selection committee member and Executive Vice President and General Manager, Allstate Agency Distribution. “This historic decision allowing college athletes to be compensated for the use of their Name, Image and Likeness means Allstate can foster equity for these athletes who are community leaders.”

“Throughout the 30 years of the Good Works Team, we have honored individuals who create lasting impact in their communities and at school,” said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. “We have the perfect roster of outstanding individuals that continue that legacy for 2021 and beyond.”

The following players have been named to the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be eligible for compensation. The honorary head coach, whose charity will also receive a donation, is listed below.

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)

Darien Rencher	Clemson University
Camren McDonald	Florida State University
Harry Miller	Ohio State University
Mac Brown	Ole Miss
Sean Clifford	Penn State University
Nakobe Dean	University of Georgia
Kenneth Horsey	University of Kentucky
Cal Adomitis	University of Pittsburgh
Mo Hasan	University of Southern California
Race Porter	University of Washington
Elijah McAllister	Vanderbilt University

Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and NAIA

Austin Phillips	Ashland University
Jaran Roste	Bethel University (Minn.)
Chibuike Odo	Davidson College
Deven Osborne	Dixie State University
Alnazir Blackman	Farleigh Dickinson University-Florham
Philip Green	Minot State University
Jessie Malit	North Carolina Central University
Alex Shillow	Texas A&M University-Commerce
Hunter Rodrigues	UC Davis
DeValon Whitcomb	University of South Dakota
Julius Wilkerson	Wayne State University

Honorary Head Coach

Matt Wells

Texas Tech University

To learn more about the 2021 AFCA Good Works Team, including stories surrounding players’ accomplishments within their communities, visit ESPN.com/Allstate.  

Original source can be found here.