NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Illinois State senior cornerback Mike Banks has been a consistent fixture on the field and in the community for the Redbird football team the past three seasons. In recognition of his efforts, Banks was nominated as one of a record-breaking 182 players from across the country for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, as announced by the Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Tuesday.
For 23 years, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has served as one of the most coveted and prestigious off-the-field honors in college football. The award recognizes players whose charitable involvement and community service contributions stand out among all other student-athletes participating in the sport. Since its establishment in 1992, the award has existed to pay tribute to the "good" in college football that extends beyond the wins and the losses. While balancing academics and athletics, this select group of student-athletes nominated by their respective colleges and universities has committed their limited free time to having a lasting impact on their communities.
Banks was joined on the list by five fellow Missouri Valley Football Conference representatives, including Mark Sewall of Indiana State,
Caleb Schaffitzel of Missouri State, Zach Zenner of South Dakota State, David Johnson of Northern Iowa and Keyen Lage of South Dakota.
"It's great to see all the 'good works' these student-athletes are doing at their universities and in their communities," Grant Teaff, AFCA executive director said. "The AFCA is proud to work with Allstate in highlighting the record number of nominees sent in for the 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®."
Banks heads into his senior season as a three-year starter for the Redbirds. The University Park, Ill., native has started in 35-consecutive contests for the Redbirds and led the team with 11 passes defended in 2014, which ranked fourth-most in the conference. That number included nine pass break ups and two interceptions, and Banks finished the season with 41 total tackles, 36 of which were solo stops.
Comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 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. 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 the 2014 Good Works Team.®
Banks and the rest of his teammates will open the 2014 season on Saturday, Sept. 6, at home against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Hancock Stadium.
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