More than a month into the 2008 college football
season, the off-the-field achievements of a select group of dedicated and hard-working players
have distinguished them from among the more than 50,000 student-athletes competing in the
sport. To honor these players and bring awareness to their selfless deeds, Allstate Insurance
Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have announced the 22
student-athletes chosen for the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams. Among those players so honored is West Virginia University wide receiver Tito Gonzales.
The 22 college football players awarded this prestigious honor were selected by a special
selection committee from the 71 nominations submitted by sports information directors on behalf
of their teams. The two 11-member teams – one composed of players competing in the NCAA
Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and a combined team representing the NCAA Championship
Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III and the NAIA – honor players that embody the true spirit of
“teamwork” and “giving back” through selfless contributions and commendable acts of kindness.
“These 22 student-athletes represent thousands of college football players who make a
difference in their communities through volunteer service on campus and in their hometowns,”
said AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff. “We’re proud to join Allstate in recognizing these
young people who are dedicated to improving the world in which we live.”
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and AFCA, each player must be actively
involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community
service while maintaining good academic standing. Candidates must also display sincere
concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable impression on the organizations with
which they are involved. Neither athletic ability nor on-the-field achievements are among the
selection criteria.
The following players have been selected to the 2008 Allstate AFCA Football Bowl Subdivision Good Works Team
Keegan Herring Sr. RB Arizona State University Peoria, Ariz.
Re’quan Boyette Sr. RB Duke University Wilson, N.C.
Brit Miller Sr. LB University of Illinois Decatur, Ill.
Tim Masthay Sr. P/K University of Kentucky Murray, Ky.
Jordan Steffy Sr. QB University of Maryland Leola, Pa.
Matt Simon Sr. WR Northern Illinois University Farmington, Minn.
Eric Peterman Sr. WR Northwestern University Sherman, Ill.
Gerald McCoy So. DT University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Okla.
Colt McCoy Sr. QB University of Texas Tuscola, Texas
Brian Duncan So. LB Texas Tech University Baton Rouge, La.
Tito Gonzales Sr. WR West Virginia University Tampa, Fla.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams were established in 1992 by the College Football
Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support
staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to
honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need.