NORTHBROOK, Ill. - Illinois State junior defensive end Colton Underwood was recognized for his tireless work in the community, in the classroom and on the field Tuesday, when the Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) selected him as one of 117 nominees for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®.
As one of college football's most prestigious off-the-field honors, the award recognizes a select group of college football players committed to making a difference in their communities. Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has shown a spotlight on the countless "good works" and remarkable stories of service by student-athletes at all levels of college football competition. Award recipients represent the sport's finest in terms of character and leadership in the community.
"This year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominees have some of the most impressive community service resumes in the program's 21-year history," said Kathy Mabe, president of Allstate's West region and a member of the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team voting panel. "These young men continue to raise the bar for the impact that student-athletes can have on others, and are an inspiration to Allstate, our agents and our employees."
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining a strong academic standing. ISU head coach Brock Spack believes Underwood is a perfect selection for the committee and represents what the Redbird football program is all about.
"Colton epitomizes everything we look for in a player," Spack said. "He's got a tremendous work ethic, is a great student-athlete and an even better person. Our team is very committed to helping in the community, especially with Illinois Special Olympics. Colton is always the first to sign up for events and volunteer his time to help out Special Olympics athletes in our community. He also helps out with other community organizations as well, even though he is very busy with his studies and work on the field. We are excited for Colton to receive this recognition and it is very well deserved."
Outside of the stadium, Underwood has volunteered his time at numerous community service projects in the Bloomington-Normal community but has held a special place in his heart for Illinois Special Olympics. He has been a volunteer at spring and summer games for the past two years, which included helping run activities for athletes as well as assisting with site setup. Underwood has also volunteered his time at the Humane Society of Central Illinois helping to dig trenches for new dog runs at the facility.
Last season, Underwood was named an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention Team selection and was also selected to the MVFC All-Academic Second Team. The Washington, Ill., native started all 11 games at defensive end for the Redbirds, who led the conference in total defense (294.8 ypg). He also ranked second on the team with six sacks and has added 9.5 tackles-for-loss, which tied for 11th in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
From the nominees submitted by sports information directors across the nation on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and prominent college football media members will select two 11-player Good Works Teams® - one comprised of players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and another representing players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA. The final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
