Football | 9/23/2020 9:51:00 AM

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – As a time-honored tradition for the past 29 years, Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) are recognizing 22 student-athletes and an honorary coach named to the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® for stepping up to help those in need. Senior defensive lineman Alex Findura (Stockbridge, Ga./Woodland) of the Bloomsburg University football team is one of those 22 student-athletes across the country named to the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, as announced on Wednesday morning.

Annually, Allstate partners with the AFCA to spotlight student-athletes whose remarkable stories often go unnoticed.

"I am very proud of Alex, and I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this prestigious honor," said Bloomsburg University President, Dr. Bashar Hanna. "Thanks to his years of service in the Marine Corps, Alex has developed into a man of character and valor whose commitment to giving back is clearly evident. We are honored that Alex is a member of the BU family, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition."

Since the inception of the award in 1992, Findura becomes the first student-athlete from Bloomsburg University to earn the prestigious honor.

"With so many unexpected challenges this year, it's inspiring to see this group of talented athletes use their voices and actions to make a difference in their communities," said Pam Hollander, vice president of consumer marketing for Allstate. "Allstate believes that celebrating positive change creates vibrant and resilient communities, and recognizing acts of kindness these players demonstrate is a vital part of our protection of college football and its traditions."

"I'm excited to team up with Allstate and AFCA to recognize the powerful stories of these players and the incredible work they are doing," added Tim Tebow, two-time national champion and former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® member. "It's truly an honor to call myself an alumnus of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® and continue to highlight the amazing work these student-athletes do off-the-field."

Before his arrival to Bloomsburg, Findura served four years in the United States Marines and, during his service, was a member of an elite team known as the Body Bearers. The section's primary mission is to bear the caskets at funerals for Marines, former Marines, and Marine family members at Arlington National Cemetery and the surrounding cemeteries in the National Capital Region. On occasion, they are called to travel to locations around the country to support funerals for senior statesmen, heads of state, and former Presidents of the United States.

"I have personally had the pleasure of viewing Alex's leadership on and off the football field, as well as his gratitude and support of his teammates and country," said Bloomsburg University Director of Athletics, Dr. Michael McFarland. "His leadership of his teammates and his support of others – military and non-military – is astounding. Alex is an outstanding young man who embodies all that is good in, not only college football, but our country."

In November 2018, Findura was featured on ESPN's College GameDay as part of its annual Veterans' Day coverage. The video is below:
 
In addition to his success on the field and in the classroom (he boasts a 3.52 cumulative grade point average as a business management major), Findura also serves as a volunteer firefighter, coaches a youth football team, and routinely participates in on-campus organizations to help make the campus – and the community – a better place.

Last year, Findura was the only Division II player in the country to be named a finalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award, presented each year by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). He has been nominated for the prestigious honor again in 2020.

"We are very proud of Alex and his selection to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®," said Frank Sheptock, Bloomsburg University head football coach. "Alex continues to prove himself to be a great family man, serviceman, teammate, and community leader. He epitomizes the values and takes the hands-on approach, to make our community – and our country – a better place for everyone."
 
THE FINALISTS
The final roster was chosen from 149 nominees. Eleven of the 22 players are from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 are from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; and one honorary head coach.

The following players and honorary head coach have been selected to the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®:

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
Trevor Lawrence, Clemson University
Rakavius Chambers, Duke University
Trenton Gill, NC State University
Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State University
Treyjohn Butler, Stanford University
Elijah Hicks, University of California, Berkeley
Luke Fortner, University of Kentucky
Adam Shibley, University of Michigan
Teton Saltes, University of New Mexico
Chanse Sylvie, University of Oklahoma
Sam Ehlinger, University of Texas

Combined Divisions (FCS, II, III & NAIA)
Mike Delich, Bethel University (Minn.)
Alex Findura (Stockbridge, Ga./Woodland), Bloomsburg University
Jacob Norris, Chadron State College
Tyler Bradfield, Grand Valley State University
DaShawn Simon, Howard University
Stephen Stokes, North Carolina Central University
Chris Backes, Saint John's University (Minn.)
Jackson Ross, University of Chicago
Steven Spirakis, University of Rochester
Andrew Whitaker, Washington University in St. Louis
Jace Neugebauer, William Penn University
 
Honorary Head Coach
Neal Brown, West Virginia University
 
VOTE FOR THE CAPTAIN
At ESPN.com/Allstate, fans can vote for the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® captain once a day now through Nov. 22.

"This year has brought new meaning and purpose to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, and this group of 22 players has risen to these challenges to give back to their communities in tremendous ways," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "I am very proud of everything this honor represents for student-athletes and coaches and look forward to showcasing their incredible stories throughout the season."

Throughout the season, fans can join the conversation using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels to learn more about these players and their stories.

ABOUT THE ALLSTATE AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® was established in 1992 by the College Football Association to recognize extra efforts by players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate became the presenting sponsor starting with the 2008 season.

Nominations are submitted early in the summer by sports information directors around the country. Nominees must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service, and maintain good grades.