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Wayne State University Athletics

Julius Wilkerson AFCA

Football Cameron Weidenthaler, Assistant Media Relations Director

Wilkerson Selected To The AFCA Good Works Team

DETROIT -- Redshirt junior Julius Wilkerson (Mequon, Wis. / Homestead) has been named as one of the 22 members for the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which recognizes football student-athletes for their community service efforts.

Wilkerson is only the GLIAC player to be selected.  There are two 11-man teams, a Division I-A team and a combined team from NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA, that honor players for their dedication and commitment to community service. 

WSU has a history of success with the Good Works Team.  Luke Bevilacqua was a member of the final 22-member team in 2019, while Trent Brodbeck was selected to the final team in 2016.  The first-ever Wayne State student-athlete to earn the award was Alan Guy in 2007.

AFCA Release
Allstate Pledging Largest NIL Payment to College Football Players for Outstanding Community Impact

$1 million honors 22 remarkable college football players—across all divisions— and the non-profits they serve

September 24, 2021 — Allstate is pledging $1 million to honor the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, as well as their non-profits of choice, for their remarkable commitment to community service. Made possible by new NCAA Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules, Allstate has an opportunity to financially empower athletes who serve their communities, opening the door to new possibilities for players and beyond.

This is the largest NIL investment yet for community impact by a college football sponsor—and insurer. Unlike other recent NIL announcements, Allstate is financially empowering players in recognition for their work in local communities, not just their performance on the field. Community leadership aligns with Allstate's values and is part of its longstanding commitment to creating positive societal change.

"Every year, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team embodies the best of college athletics. These players have a positive impact in society," said Emmanuel Acho, former NFL linebacker, television analyst and 2011 Good Works Team alumnus. "To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is an honor. By rewarding these players for the impact they have on their communities, Allstate is truly demonstrating its commitment to making a difference across the country."

"We dedicate resources to financially empower people," said Terrance Williams, Good Works Team selection committee member and Executive Vice President and General Manager, Allstate Agency Distribution. "This historic decision allowing college athletes to be compensated for the use of their Name, Image and Likeness means Allstate can foster equity for these athletes who are community leaders."

"Throughout the 30 years of the Good Works Team, we have honored individuals who create lasting impact in their communities and at school," said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. "We have the perfect roster of outstanding individuals that continue that legacy for 2021 and beyond."

To learn more about the 2021 AFCA Good Works Team, including stories surrounding players' accomplishments within their communities, visit ESPN.com/Allstate.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

Selection Process and Panel
The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists.  They look for players who demonstrate exceptional leadership on and off the football field.  In addition to Tebow and Williams, the 2021 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); 2021 AFCA President and Northwestern University Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald; and 2001 AFCA President and current Athletic Director at Virginia Union University Joe Taylor.

Public Voting Phase
Fans can cast their vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com.  Fans can use #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels to join the conversation throughout the season.  "The AFCA has proudly partnered with Allstate to honor football student-athletes who volunteer their time and energy to give back," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said.  "These nominees serve as examples to their fellow student-athletes and members of their community, proving that selfless acts will enrich the lives of people they know and don't know, acting as a true champion would."

About the AFCA
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."

For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com.


 
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Players Mentioned

Luke Bevilacqua

#42 Luke Bevilacqua

PK/P
6' 1"
Graduate Student
Julius Wilkerson

#52 Julius Wilkerson

MLB
6' 2"
Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

Luke Bevilacqua

#42 Luke Bevilacqua

6' 1"
Graduate Student
PK/P
Julius Wilkerson

#52 Julius Wilkerson

6' 2"
Redshirt Junior
MLB