Benedict's Denelus Named Nominee For AFCA Good Works Team

Benedict College senior defensive end Loobert Denelus has been named as one of 136 nominees for the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.®

The nominees include 63 nominees from the combined divisions of Football Championship Series, D2, D3 and NAIA, while 73 nominees are from Football Bowl Series institutions.

Denelus was named a first-team All-American by the AFCA after last season, the first football player in Benedict history to earn first-team recognition. He was also a first-team Academic All-American,® as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Again, he was the first Benedict football player to earn first-team Academic All-American® honors in school history. In the community, Denelus has volunteered numerous hours, including mental health aid, visiting elementary schools, participating in food drives, and assisting with clean-up and repair projects.

Of the 136 nominees, Denelus is one of three from an HBCU (Juan Velarde, North Carolina Central University; Darrick McLean, Winston-Salem State University), and the only nominee from the SIAC.

Playing college football, attending school full time and giving back to the community is no small commitment. Yet, that's how 136 Good Works Team nominees invest their time and that's why their coaches recommended them for the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.®

"I'm impressed and inspired by these young men because they're incredible athletes and amazing human beings," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Good Works Team member. "When you give back to the community, it gives you purpose and can change your whole life – and the lives of others."

The nominees spend their free time working to change lives by mentoring youth, feeding the hungry and donating their earnings. Some have even established their own non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. They've also maintained excellent grades and obtained Dean's List honors among other academic awards.

"These bright young athletes are role models," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "We've celebrated thousands of college football players around the country for years, and they've had a huge impact on their communities and on society."

A Panel Chooses the Team

The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field. The final team will be announced September 2023.

In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection panel members are: Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team); Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998); Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001); Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002); Wes Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN); Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); 2023 AFCA President and Ouachita Baptist University Head Coach Todd Knight; and 2014 AFCA President and former head coach at Ithaca College, Mike Welch.

Fans Pick the Captain

After the final team members are announced in September, fans can vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com/allstate. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.

"These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players' families and communities to applaud their inspirational work."

Nomination Criteria

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 135 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining strong academic standing.