NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 23, 2020 – Howard University’s DaShawn Simon and North Carolina Central University’s Stephen Stokes have been named to the AllState American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, giving the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) two representatives out of the combined 22 finalists.
“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 n tremendous ways,” AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said in a release. “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.”
Simon, a sophomore wide receiver, was recognized for his work supporting The Grassroot Project (TGP) educating middle school students in Washington, D.C. about the importance of sexual, mental and nutritional health. He also volunteers with the local Boys and Girls Club.
Stokes, a redshirt senior defensive back, works one-on-one with youth at risk of becoming involved in gangs through the Project BUILD program in Durham, N.C. He also participates in the Big Brother Program at R.N. Harris Elementary School in Durham, while also speaking to youth in his hometown of Baltimore, Md., about the importance of higher education and partnering with the Police Athletic League to create at-home workout videos for kids during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stokes graduated this past May with a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in Homeland Security, and he is currently pursuing a second undergraduate degree in psychology.
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. The AFCA became the award’s governing body in 1997 and continues to honor football student-athletes who go the extra mile for those in need.
AllState became the award’s presenting sponsor in 2008.
The final roster was selected from 149 nominees; 11 honorees come from Football Bowl Division (FBS) programs, while the other 11 come from Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Div. II, Div. III, and NAIA programs.
Fans can vote for the AllState AFCA Good Works Team captain by visiting ESPN.com/Allstate and casting their votes once per day now through Sunday, Nov. 22. Fans can also join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #GoodWorksTeam.
About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) celebrates its 50th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2020-21 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of 11 outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University.