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Hayden Conner
University of Texas
Position: OL | Year: Senior

Hayden's dedication extends beyond the football field. A four-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll member, Hayden has spearheaded donation drives for the Austin Animal Center and volunteered at Austin Pets Alive. He's served meals to low-income families with Hungry Souls and supported children affected by domestic violence through SAFE Austin. At Dell Children's Hospital, Hayden has brightened patients' days with games and motivational cards. As president of the UT Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he also brought joy to kids by organizing candy giveaways at the Longhorn Halloween event.

Hayden Conner

University of Texas

Position

OL

Year

Senior

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Nick Dawkins
Penn State University
Position: OL | Year: Senior

Son of late NBA player Darryl Dawkins, Nick Dawkins has carved his own path as a leader both on and off the field. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Penn State's 2023 Public Service Award winner, Nick founded the Dawkins Family Foundation to champion academic and athletic excellence for young students. He's brought his passion to life at the YMCA of Centre County, where he created summer sports camps, and at Penn State, where he leads Uplifting Athletics in raising funds for rare disease research. Beyond his public roles, Nick is a devoted son and brother, providing unwavering support to his family, especially his sister with Down Syndrome.

Nick Dawkins

Penn State University

Position

OL

Year

Senior

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Garrett Greene
West Virginia University
Position: QB | Year: Senior

Garrett, one of the top Big 12 quarterbacks for the 2024 season, is as much a leader off the field as he is on it. He actively gives back to the community, volunteering with organizations like Climb for Kids and visiting children at hospitals. His personal touch shines through in small acts of kindness, from being a pen pal to a second grader to surprising a young fan by taking him onto the field after a game. Garrett also supports local causes, helping veterans and raising funds for cancer patients, showing his deep commitment to the people of West Virginia.

Garrett Greene

West Virginia University

Position

QB

Year

Senior

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Chase Griffin
UCLA
Position: QB | Year: Senior

Recognized as UCLA Young Alumnus of the Year in 2024 for his outstanding leadership and dedication to philanthropy, Chase Griffin founded the Chase Griffin Foundation to tackle food insecurity among youth. His efforts have raised over $40,000 for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and he's donated more than $50,000 of his NIL earnings to the food bank and other local organizations. Chase has mentored students at the Horace Mann UCLA Community School, served on California Governor Gavin Newsom's Student-Athlete Task Force, and was the football team's volunteer representative for Voting Matter Initiative.

Chase Griffin

UCLA

Position

QB

Year

Senior

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Dean Janikowski
Washington State University
Position: K | Year: Senior

Dean honors his late mother, Heather, by raising funds to support cancer patients. In 2021, he launched More than a Kick, where fans pledge donations for each field goal and extra point he makes, raising over $37,000. He later founded the Heather Janikowski Foundation and started Kicking Cancer, aiming to raise $30,000 annually for Seattle Children's Hospital Cancer Research Center and local cancer patients. The foundation has raised over $88,000, including donations to WSU basketball player Myles Rice and local art teacher Molly Rice. Dean also organizes the Do It For Her 5k and Monserrate Memorial Hike, in his hometown.

Dean Janikowski

Washington State University

Position

K

Year

Senior

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Jack Kiser
University of Notre Dame
Position: LB | Year: Graduate

Jack has been a driving force in community initiatives at Notre Dame, especially through the Cleats for a Cause program. This initiative auctions off game-worn cleats, designed with local nonprofits' names to raise money for those organizations. After leading the first event in 2022, Jack is stepping up even more in 2024 by overseeing event nonprofit selection, shoe design and volunteer coordination. He also led the Fighting Irish Fight for Life football team from 2020 to 2023, pairing local pediatric patients with Notre Dame Athletics as honorary teammates, while also managing fundraising efforts.

Jack Kiser

University of Notre Dame

Position

LB

Year

Graduate

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JJ Pegues
Ole Miss
Position: DT | Year: Senior

A member of the 2024 SEC Football Community Service Team, JJ Pegues wears many hats when it comes to community service. He founded the JJ Pegues School Supply Give Away, distributing school supplies to local elementary school students. Additionally, JJ actively volunteers with Feed the Sip, a food sustainability project, helping collect and donate over 12,000 non-perishable food items to children in Tunica and Quitman counties. After a tornado hit the Mississippi Delta, he joined relief efforts, helping clean up and prepare the area for rebuilding.

JJ Pegues

Ole Miss

Position

DT

Year

Senior

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Gavin Sawchuk
University of Oklahoma
Position: RB | Year: Sophomore

Gavin dedicated his spring break to community service in Hawaii where he cleaned and prepared a baseball field at Lahaina Luna High School, unloaded supplies for fire-affected communities in Maui and mentored children at Citizens Church, an at-risk youth Boys and Girls Club in Honolulu. Back home, Gavin volunteered with the MLK Project at The Bridge Impact Youth Center in Oklahoma City. He helped clean, paint, work on the community garden and beautifying two miles of MLK Street, while also packing more than 40,000 meals for people in need in Haiti.

Gavin Sawchuk

University of Oklahoma

Position

RB

Year

Sophomore

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Brayden Schager
University of Hawaii
Position: QB | Year: Senior

About seven years ago, a 14-year-old Brayden and his 12-year-old sister Brielle were chatting around the kitchen table when they realized something: football may be king in Texas, but not everyone gets the chance to play. That conversation sparked the creation of the Highland Park (TX) Buddy Bowl, a special game for athletes with physical and mental disabilities. Today, it's become an annual tradition in Brayden's hometown with the Highland Park High School football team and cheerleaders joining in the celebration. Brayden has also served as a camp counselor at the prestigious Manning Passing Academy.

Brayden Schager

University of Hawaii

Position

QB

Year

Senior

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Malaki Starks
University of Georgia
Position: DB | Year: Junior

Malaki hosted a football camp for 30 young people at Atlanta's Cabbagetown Park in partnership with Wilderness Works, a nonprofit dedicated to providing at-risk youth with outdoor adventures and mentorship. Throughout his time at the university, Malaki has been a regular presence in local elementary and middle schools in the Clark County school district, engaging as a celebrity reader and speaking on the importance of education. He also welcomed participants from Next Gen, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth, for a tour of the university and a spontaneous football camp.

Malaki Starks

University of Georgia

Position

DB

Year

Junior

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J.J. Weaver
University of Kentucky
Position: OLB | Year: Senior

To honor his grandfather, J.J. Weaver started the 15 for Freddie foundation, which helps feed the homeless. After joining the University of Kentucky, it evolved into The Perfect Fit, which organized community service projects like a bike drive in Louisville, where J.J. distributed 111 bicycles and encouraged kids to make a positive impact. After losing his father and high school coach, J.J. became a mental health advocate, helping to launch a peer-led grief counseling group at UK. His efforts earned him the Rob Butler Character in Adversity Award by the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

J.J. Weaver

University of Kentucky

Position

OLB

Year

Senior

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Matthew DeVirgilio
Stonehill College
Position: LB | Year: Senior

Matt has shown outstanding leadership through his work with the House of Possibilities (HOPe) and Team IMPACT. At HOPe, he organizes weekly coffee talks and basketball games, creating a supportive and engaging community for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. His efforts directly contribute to HOPe's mission of fostering independence and nurturing environments for those who serve. As a Team IMPACT Fellow at Stonehill College, Matt organizes events that raise awareness and support children but also inspires his fellow student-athletes with lessons in resilience and compassion. 

Matthew DeVirgilio

Stonehill College

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Aaron Ellingson
Bethel University (Minn.)
Position: RB | Year: Senior

Aaron has made a significant impact through his diverse community service. As lead mentor for the BUILD Program, he dedicated 850 hours to students with intellectual disabilities, enhancing their academic and personal growth. He also managed work schedules for over 20 students. In the Basilica YES program, Aaron served the homeless and assembled care packages for young women in third-world countries. He led Bible studies at Christian Athletes Huddle Leader and supported students in North Minneapolis as a teacher assistant. At Redemption Church, he improved worship experiences as lighting director and has volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, Empty Bowls and youth sports camps. 

Aaron Ellingson

Bethel University (Minn.)

Position

RB

Year

Senior

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Micah Green
Dartmouth College
Position: LB | Year: Senior

Micah exemplifies outstanding leadership and community service. As Co-President of the Dartmouth Black Student Athlete Alliance, he has championed the needs of Black student-athletes and spoke at the national Black Student Athlete Summit. In his role as Secretary for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he organized numerous philanthropic events. Micah's hands-on volunteer work includes soup kitchens, thrift stores and planning a homeless shelter through Doorways Into Good Shelter (DIGS). He also registers donors for the NMDP Foundation's Be the Match program and helps unload shipments at Morton Farm. Through these diverse activities, Micah demonstrates a deep commitment to community and compassionate leadership. 

Micah Green

Dartmouth College

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Thomas Grehan
Johns Hopkins University
Position: LB | Year: Senior

As President and Founder of Blue Jays for Baltimore, Thomas has transformed youth sports in Baltimore. He rallied 40 Johns Hopkins student-athletes, forging partnerships with local nonprofits like Henderson Hopkins Elementary and Next One Up. Thomas orchestrated a successful fundraising golf tournament, raising over $20,000 for youth sports and mentorship. He also coaches, founded a high school football camp and organizes food pantry efforts at Johns Hopkins. His dedication extends to volunteering at MedStar Hospital, where he aids post-surgery patients, and was ignited by his early work as an elementary tutor, which inspired Blue Jays for Baltimore. Through these roles, Thomas continually enriches his community.

Thomas Grehan

Johns Hopkins University

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Dru Johnson
Ashland University
Position: WR | Year: Junior

Dru has poured countless hours into community service, driven by a deep commitment to helping others. From coaching high school athletes and refereeing flag football, to leading worship with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his volunteer work is as varied as it is impactful. He's been a key figure at events like the NCAA Women's Final Four Tourney Town and the Ashland University Special Olympics, where he led activities for special needs students. Dru's service extends to disaster relief, distributing school supplies and supporting local churches. His passion for giving back is evident in everything he does, making him a true asset to his community and a shining example of selflessness.

Dru Johnson

Ashland University

Position

WR

Year

Junior

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Christo Kelly
College of the Holy Cross
Position: OL | Year: Senior

Christo has made a significant impact through community service. As founder and president of Holy Cross's Uplifting Athletes chapter, he raised over $8,000 for rare diseases. In his role with Cures for Kids, he led efforts for pediatric cancer awareness and secured increased funding for club activities. He's also organized the "Color Run" charity event and raised over $2,000 for childhood cancer research. As Vice President and soon-to-be Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Christo continues to drive positive change in his community.

Christo Kelly

College of the Holy Cross

Position

OL

Year

Senior

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Clayton Mosher
Indiana Wesleyan University
Position: LB | Year: Senior

Clayton has made a significant impact through diverse community service efforts. He has led a mission trip to the Dominican Republic where he engaged in local ministry, helped with house repairs and played with children. Back home, he serves meals at Marion Community Center and volunteers with his church's children's ministry. As President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Indiana Wesleyan, he fosters community among athletes and leads local clean-up efforts. He also runs a small business supporting athlete recovery and mentors youth through fishing lessons and Bible studies.

Clayton Mosher

Indiana Wesleyan University

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Isaac Pingel
Morningside University
Position: LB | Year: Senior

Isaac's dedication to community service shines through his impactful mission trips and local efforts. He helped re-shingle, clean and clear at Silver Birch Ranch, WI. In the Dominican Republic, he painted houses and built fences while connecting with local children. He also engaged in games and worship with kids and painted missionary sites in Cuba. His latest trip took him to Uganda, where he taught, worshipped, built fences and constructed schoolhouses. At home, Isaac supported tornado relief efforts in Nebraska and Iowa, cleaned up debris and salvaged possessions. He also volunteered at Bryant Elementary School, greeting students and discussing sportsmanship and leadership.

Isaac Pingel

Morningside University

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Julian Rawlins
Davidson College
Position: DE | Year: Senior

Julian has made a notable impact through community service. As an intern with Mayor's Youth Employment Program, he secured career internships for youth, earned a Job and Career Readiness Training certification and designed a healthy food app. He also served as a camp counselor at New Friendship Presbyterian Church, supervising and tutoring children. As a Chapter President of Uplifting Athletes in Charlotte, he leads fundraising for rare disease research and organizes local events, including attending the 2023 Leadership Development Conference.

Julian Rawlins

Davidson College

Position

DE

Year

Senior

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Jake Schwinghammer
Saint John's University (Minn.)
Position: LB | Year: Senior

As president of Saint John's University's St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Club and SJU Football St. Jude committee, Jake played a key role in raising over $63,000. He also co-founded and serves as Vice President of the Johnnies and Bennies in Communities (JBIC) Club, partnering with local organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Feed My Starving Children, as well as elderly groups. Internationally, he interned with Caritas Westminster, assisting adult students with special needs. He also volunteered in Guatemala, providing healthcare and using his Spanish fluency. He plans to further his medical training with an EMT course in Spring 2025. His dedication to service is evident both locally and globally.

Jake Schwinghammer

Saint John's University (Minn.)

Position

LB

Year

Senior

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Matt Wrather
John Carroll University
Position: C | Year: Senior

Matt was pivotal in organizing the Jesuit Day of Service, coordinating 400 students and staff across nine sites. As a co-founder of the JCU Student Alumni Association, he connected over 200 alumni and 150 students through seven events. Matt also volunteered at the Lutheran Men's Shelter, participated in the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine, taught 8th graders about philosophy and co-hosted high school football camps. His service continued with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the 2nd and 7 Reading Program and the Mental Health Day Fair. Additionally, Matt engaged with incarcerated youth at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center, volunteered at the Cleveland Browns High School Showcase, supported the Jesuit Day of Service, and led 90 football players in service at the Fatima Family Center.

Matt Wrather

John Carroll University

Position

C

Year

Senior

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Marcus Freeman
University of Notre Dame
Position: Honorary Head Coach

Coach Freeman is a dedicated supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana, visiting patients and their families every Friday before Notre Dame home games. Along with student-athletes, he delivers lunches, gifts, and games, prioritizing time spent with each patient despite his busy schedule. His commitment to community service extends beyond RMHC, with surprise visits to local schools and speaking engagements at events like Erin's House for Grieving Children, showcasing his deep dedication to giving back.

Marcus Freeman

University of Notre Dame

Position

Honorary Head Coach