Congratulations Blake Corum!

Captain of the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

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Cameron Bannister
Central College
Position: SS | Year: Senior

Cameron Bannister volunteers as a youth group leader for the middle school ministry at the Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. He also plays games and takes walks with children at Forward with Faith, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those living with disabilities. Additionally, Cameron trains kids through competitive drills and other activities at the Central Youth Football Camp. He was named team co-captain and was selected 1st Team American Rivers All-Conference in 2022.

Cameron Bannister

Central College

Position

SS

Year

Senior

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Gavin Bartholomew
University of Pittsburgh
Position: TE | Year: Junior

Ranked among the top tight ends in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and nationally in 2023, Gavin Bartholomew spends his time off the field playing with children and visiting with families at the Children's Home of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that promotes the health and well-being of infants and children through adoption, pediatric healthcare and counseling. He also led a spring food drive for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank where he personally delivered for local families. Gavin regularly visits veterans at the Pittsburg VA Medical Center - including bringing them to football practice. Named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team, Gavin is a candidate for the John Mackey Award, given to college football's most outstanding tight end.

Gavin Bartholomew

University of Pittsburgh

Position

TE

Year

Junior

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Tyler Batty
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Position: DE | Year: Junior

Defensive end Tyler Bratty knows what it means to be a community champion. The BYU junior established and currently runs his own non-profit called Edward's Hands. The organization provides equine therapy for children with disabilities and provides a powerful bonding experience for families. He also volunteers with Kids on The Move Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy program, an organization that provides services throughout Utah to support families with young children who have special needs. In 2017, Tyler traveled to the province of Málaga and Madrid, Spain, for a two-year volunteer service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His community service work made him a candidate for the prestigious Wuerffel Trophy in 2022, one of college football's top award for community service.

Tyler Batty

Brigham Young University (BYU)

Position

DE

Year

Junior

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Mathias Bertram
University of Idaho
Position: DB | Year: R-Junior

Mathias Bertram has been involved in charitable activities his whole life, starting as a child in his hometown of Albuquerque. He worked with a homeless shelter in his hometown for years, and that didn't stop when he moved to Idaho. In March of this year, he went on a two-week mission trip to Peru to serve that community, where he poured concrete to build stairs and the stands of their soccer court. Mathias served at the Vandal Catholic Club on campus facilitating events and was recently elected Vice President. He is also starting a non-profit with his mother to raise awareness of the potential of adults with developmental disabilities in the workplace. On the field, Mathias was a starter for the Vandals last season, where he racked up 74 total tackles, a tackle for loss and two passes defended.

Mathias Bertram

University of Idaho

Position

DB

Year

R-Junior

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Jimmy Buck
Saint John's University
Position: WR | Year: Senior

Jimmy Buck is in his second year serving as the president of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Club on campus where he finds fundraising event opportunities with local businesses. He's also the president of Saint John's University Football's St. Jude committee, where he helped raise over $47,000 in 2022. In addition to his more formal roles, he also volunteers at the local food shelter and other organizations with his family 10-15 times a year. In 2021, Jimmy made the All-MIAC second team, and in 2022, he made the All-MIAC first team. He holds a 3.39 GPA as a psychology major with an emphasis on pre-medicine.

Jimmy Buck

Saint John's University

Position

WR

Year

Senior

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Matthew Cindric
University of California
Position: OL | Year: R-Senior

With three starting seasons under his belt, redshirt senior Matthew Cindric knows how to star in a game, but off the field, he's a shining example of a community leader. Matthew partnered with the Special Olympics Northern California to create the Golden Buddies Football Clinic. The 100-person clinic is a special event for youth with and without intellectual disabilities in the community that allows them to participate in football drills at California Memorial Stadium. He's also the co-founder of Upcycle Gear Drive, a program that collected and distributed 500 pieces of sports gear, clothing, and equipment to meet specific needs in the northern California community. Matthew has been recognized with one of college football's top honor for community service - the Wuerffel Trophy. He also received the Jason Witten Award for leadership. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration, he is currently pursuing a master's degree focused on sports in education at the University of California Berkley School of Education.

Matthew Cindric

University of California

Position

OL

Year

R-Senior

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Blake Corum
University of Michigan
Position: RB | Year: Senior

Named as a unanimous first-team All-American, Blake Corum is a running back on a mission to encourage others to dream big and serve their communities. Leading by example, he organized his Giving Back 2 Give Thanks turkey drive, which provides Thanksgiving dinners to families in underserved communities in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Blake also volunteers regularly at the Community, Leadership and Revolution Academy, supporting young kids' right to dream, believe, explore, and create through sports, nutrition, reading and writing. Additionally, he helps shape the next generation of student athletes by serving at tuition-free youth football camps. Blake received the esteemed Bank of Ann Arbor Community Award for his service.

Blake Corum

University of Michigan

Position

RB

Year

Senior

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Ethan Downs
University of Oklahoma
Position: DE | Year: Junior

Defensive end from Weatherford, Oklahoma, Ethan Downs demonstrated his commitment to service by launching the G.I.V.E Mission (Greatness in Various Efforts) in 2022. From one friendly competition among a variety of student organizations, more than 4,000 pounds of food, clothing, books, money, and sanitary products were donated to the university's food pantry. He also participated in an elementary school beautification project in Miami Gardens, Florida, where he mentored students to strive for academic excellence. Ethan earned an All-Big 12 Second Team honors and started in 13 of Oklahoma's games during each of his first two seasons. Ethan plans to use his major in health and exercise science to serve others.

Ethan Downs

University of Oklahoma

Position

DE

Year

Junior

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Ja'Mion Franklin
Duke University
Position: DT | Year: R-Senior

Ja'Mion Franklin has had many impressive plays on the field but as his team puts it, 'Ja'Mion's care of others is easy to notice.' His parent's battles with cancer led him to volunteer with 'Be the Match,' an organization that helps collect names of those interested in being added to the donor registry for bone marrow or blood transplant surgery. The defensive tackle also spends time volunteering at the Durham Community Food Pantry, where volunteers help package, sort and check food donations. Ja'Mion also volunteers with several North Carolina elementary schools, meeting with second through fifth graders to help them reach their reading goals throughout the year. All his community service work earned him the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Top Six for Service award. It's presented to six student-athletes from each ACC university who demonstrate outstanding community service.

Ja'Mion Franklin

Duke University

Position

DT

Year

R-Senior

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Evan Ginter
Bethel University
Position: OL | Year: Senior

Team captain and offensive lineman, Evan Ginter helps refugees transition into a new environment and tutors students at Arrive Ministries Elementary School. With a passion for fitness, Evan leads an after-school strength and conditioning program for middle and high school athletes. He's been recognized as a two-time All-Conference Offensive Lineman for his football expertise, work ethic, skills and strength on the field. Additionally, Evan mentors and works out with inner city kids at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Evan Ginter

Bethel University

Position

OL

Year

Senior

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Josh Greene
Dartmouth College
Position: LS | Year: Senior

Josh Greene founded Off the Bench Foundation, an organization that has collected and donated nearly $10,000 worth of sporting goods to the Boys & Girls Club in West Palm Beach since 2012. Following Hurricane Irma, the organization teamed up with local businesses to collect new and used sports equipment. He serves underserved youths at the DREAM organization (Directing through Recreation, Education, Adventure and Mentoring), devoting his Fridays to mentees through a variety of fun activities and meals. Josh is the philanthropy chair for his fraternity, Gamma Delta Chi, and earned the Phil Steele All-Ivy League First Team at long snapper in 2022. He also earned the Class of 1950 Award, a Dartmouth Athletics Department award, presented annually to the varsity student-athlete who has demonstrated the most extraordinary commitment to community service.

Josh Greene

Dartmouth College

Position

LS

Year

Senior

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Colton Hyble
Grand Valley State University
Position: DE | Year: Senior

As part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Colton Hyble enjoys spending his time off the field serving his community. His commitments include getting children excited about sports, financial advising and strategic planning, translating Spanish and remodeling homes. Colten is also active with All Good Sports, a nonprofit that supports at-risk young men. He helps the organization to create financial accountability, leads the summer sports camp and writes grant proposals to help them expand. Additionally, he interns at Bethany Christian Youth Services Division/Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation (GRCCT), a nonprofit and collection of nonprofits and social enterprises to help the community. Colton balances volunteering, football and school while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in International Business/Supply Chain Management.

Colton Hyble

Grand Valley State University

Position

DE

Year

Senior

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Reed Levi
Benedictine College
Position: TE | Year: Senior

When not on the gridiron, tight end and graduate student Reed Levi is committed to shaping the minds of young student athletes and helped raise $4 million at the 2021 and 2022 Benedictine Scholarship Balls as an auctioneer. Driven by philanthropy and passionate about inclusive diversity and equity (IDE), he's presented on gentrification and urban housing to lobbyists at the Kansas House of Representatives and has spoken about the importance of Black History Month at elementary and high school events. Levi regularly volunteers as a flag football coach with the Atchison Recreation Department. As both a scholar athlete, he was selected 1st Team All-Conference in 2021 and 2022.

Reed Levi

Benedictine College

Position

TE

Year

Senior

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Trent Maddox
Ashland University
Position: QB | Year: Junior

Quarterback Trent Maddox is Student Athletic Advisory President of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and Ashland University. Focused on community service projects for student athletes, he's planned and participated in a beautification project for a local church and read books to students at Regan Elementary School and even helped the children draw pictures for first responders. Trent also partnered with Olentangy High School to create a football camp for K-12 students with physical, intellectual and development disabilities around Columbus, Ohio. Trent's skill on the field and in the classroom landed him the honor of being named 2021-2022 Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Academic.

Trent Maddox

Ashland University

Position

QB

Year

Junior

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Ladd McConkey
University of Georgia
Position: WR | Year: R-Junior

Junior and wide receiver, Ladd McConkey's passion for inspiring children shines throughout the numerous community service projects. From visiting Camp Rainbow in Lincoln County, Georgia to participating in activities with children who have cancer or rare blood disorders and helping with the surprise donation of $100,000 to the Athens Downtown Academy, Ladd is building his legacy on and off the field. He was inducted into the UGA Athletic Association's Leadership Education and Development program and earned his bachelor's degree in three years from UGA's Terry College of Business in Finance.

Ladd McConkey

University of Georgia

Position

WR

Year

R-Junior

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Xavier McDonald
United States Naval Academy
Position: OLB | Year: Senior

Xavier McDonald is a thriving senior at the United States Naval Academy, who overcame a difficult childhood to become the man he is today. As an operations major at the Naval Academy, he balances a rigorous academic course load, serves as an assistant tutor for a thermodynamics class and has completed more than 50 hours of community service over the past year. Annually, he visits the Naval Academy Primary School to share his upbringing and provide a story of hope. Leadership is also a quality that makes Xavier a worthy member of the Good Works Team. To applaud the work Xavier has done so far, he was nominated as one of 20 football players for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The award is the first college football honor to focus mainly on a player's leadership both on and off the field.

Xavier McDonald

United States Naval Academy

Position

OLB

Year

Senior

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Jaylen Pate
Northwestern University
Position: DL | Year: Graduate

Jaylen Pate treasures his time volunteering in his Chicago community. In fact, the defensive lineman has participated in 75% of all community service programs offered at Northwestern University. Much of his volunteering revolves around spending time with kids. The graduate scholar-athlete regularly delivers summer books to local students and serves as role model for inner city youth during an after-school program. Jaylen also regularly volunteers at his godmother's soup kitchen, OSP Diner, an officially recognized Chicago Food Depository soup kitchen. In 2023, Jaylen was the winner of the Cats Give Back Community Outreach Award, which recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who've made an impact within the Evanston and Chicagoland communities.

Jaylen Pate

Northwestern University

Position

DL

Year

Graduate

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Will Shipley
Clemson University
Position: RB | Year: Junior

Will Shipley has earned many prestigious awards for the work he's done on the field, but off it, he's changing the South Carolina community. Recently, Will, established the 1 CLEM5ON endowment to help provide resources to Clemson University students, including fellow scholar-athletes. Part of the endowment supports Clemson's P.A.W. Journey program. P.A.W. stands for 'passionate about winning.' The leadership initiative helps develop Clemson Football scholar-athletes through personal growth, life skills and professional development. The Weddington, North Carolina native also visits patients at Levine Children's Hospital and recently donated $10,000 of his Name Image Likeness (NIL) earnings to the hospital. Will continues to raise money for the hospital.

Will Shipley

Clemson University

Position

RB

Year

Junior

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Spencer Uggla
Johns Hopkins University
Position: RB | Year: Senior

Spencer Uggla makes an impact on the field, off the field and in the classroom. Carrying a 3.76 GPA in his neuroscience major, he plans to attend medical school after graduation. Spencer volunteers with Hopkins Food Pantry, stocking, taking inventory and finding ways to reduce food waste on campus. He's a certified EMT, and volunteers his time with HERO, a professional EMS organization that operates on the Johns Hopkins campus. Since 2015, he has participated in the I Run 4 Michael organization that benefits those with physical or mental challenges by fostering relationships with runners and athletes. Spencer also finds time to volunteer with Hopkins Neuro-Oncology Surgical Outcomes Lab, working to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life care for patients with primary and metastatic brain and skull base tumors.

Spencer Uggla

Johns Hopkins University

Position

RB

Year

Senior

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Juan Velarde
North Carolina Central University
Position: P | Year: Senior

Juan Velarde has been invited to speak with several Hispanic/Latino focused organizations about his higher education journey. He's served as a speaker at the North Carolina Governor's Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino affairs, where he spoke about his entrepreneurial career plans and how North Carolina has helped Hispanic and Latino students get access to higher education. He's also been invited to speak and advocate at the 23rd Annual Hispanic Educational Summit, Durham Farmer Foodshare, and Durham-Raleigh El Centro Hispano, where he also tutored Latino/Hispanic kids. Juan is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship, maintaining a 3.97 GPA.

Juan Velarde

North Carolina Central University

Position

P

Year

Senior

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KJ Williams
Morningside University
Position: RB | Year: Senior

KJ Williams is known for his relentless work ethic that inspires coaches and his fellow players to be their best. It's said that KJ's humble spirit, uplifting attitude and genuine interest in others makes his team stronger. In his free time, he participates in service days with his school, organizes canned/boxed food and clothing drives, holds weekly bible studies on campus, organizes events for kids with disabilities who get to be the captain for a home football game. KJ organized two spring missions' trips in the Dominican Republic and Cuba where they painted an outdoor basketball court, built fences and repaired a seminary to name a few. KJ is dedicated to his studies, holding a 3.9 GPA as an education major. On the field, he was recognized as the Morningside Football Most Outstanding Offensive Back in 2022.

KJ Williams

Morningside University

Position

RB

Year

Senior

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Mekhi Wingo
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Position: DL | Year: Junior

During a community service event at the 2022 Citrus Bowl, Mekhi Wingo noticed a little girl whose shoes were too small. He found out what size she wore and bought her a new pair of shoes. It's acts of selflessness and leadership like this that earned the defensive lineman a spot on this year's Good Works Team. Mekhi is part of 'Team Impact,' an LSU football leadership program that helps coordinate visits with sick children. Mekhi and his teammates hosted a nine-year-old boy who has lymphoblastic lymphoma and presented him with an LSU jersey, took pictures and gave him a tour of the LSU facility. He also serves as LSU's representative on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Football Leadership Council. The council travels to the SEC headquarters to meet with the commissioner and others to discuss their sport and the student-athlete experience. Mekhi also spends time with children and has helped pack thousands of pounds of food for those in need in the Baton Rouge area.

Mekhi Wingo

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Position

DL

Year

Junior

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Mike Locksley
University of Maryland
Position: Coach

Coach Locksley is the President and Founder of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC). Founded in 2020, NCMFC is dedicated to preparing, promoting, and producing minority coaches at all levels of football. In 2021, Coach Locksley was voted onto the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. Growing up in D.C. and a former Boys & Girls Club kid when he was younger inspired him to give to the organization. After winning the 2022 Duke's Mayo Bowl, Coach Locksley had mayo dumped on his head and as part of that, he was allowed to give $10,000 to the charity of his choosing. He donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. Coach Locksley is a passionate proponent of mental health awareness. His son had mental health issues until he was murdered in 2017. He dedicates one Maryland game each year as a Mental Health Awareness game, and partners with the 'I Change The Narrative Foundation' for programing, media and other events to promote awareness of those dealing with mental health issues.

Mike Locksley

University of Maryland

Position

Coach