July 20, 2010
NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have nominated Georgia Tech junior A-Back Roddy Jones for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, honoring the distinguished group of college football players who stand out for the positive influence they have in their communities.
In the areas of giving back and volunteerism, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® represents the “best of the best” among more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year institutions. The 112 total nominees eclipse the 106 nominees achieved last season, demonstrating the continued growth of a platform that is widely recognized as the most prestigious community service award in college football. It is the most ever in the 19-year history of the award.
Jones, a junior from Stone Mountain, Ga., has been an active leader in the community and on the field for the Yellow Jackets during his first three seasons on the Flats. Most recently, Jones organized a camp session at his alma mater Chamblee Tucker High School in metro Atlanta. Jones and several Georgia Tech teammates spent a day working on fundamentals with the local Chamblee and Dunwoody youth campers in attendance at the North Dekalb Football Camp.
He has volunteered for numerous community service projects over the years, including the Special Olympic Indoor Games, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Patient Parties, KIPP Ways & KIPP Strive visitor for help with afternoon school activities, the BlazeSports Wheelchair Celebrity Basketball Game, served as the Upward Football League banquet guest speaker, the Michael Isenhour Toy Drive and many more.
He has been just as effective on the field, serving as a two-year starter for head coach Paul Johnson’s dangerous rushing offense. Jones has rushed for 1,034 yards and seven touchdowns on 134 carries, and has caught eight passes for 155 yards and one receiving touchdown.
While glory and praise may be traditionally reserved for the most athletically skilled college football players on the field, it is the student-athletes committed to serving others who make the most important impact off the field. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® exists to tell their stories and acknowledge their impact beyond the game.
This year’s class of nominations includes student-athletes with a wide range of accomplishments, including developing programs to support Haitian relief efforts, working with rural and minority students to help them reach their goal of attending medical school, and organizing a campus fundraiser to incentivize students to shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
ESPN.com will launch a customized Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® web site featuring profiles and images of the final 22 award recipients, as well as unique and interactive content for college football fans. For the first time in the program’s history, fans will be able to vote for a Team Captain on ESPN.com.
