Miner Running Back Nathan Jeffery Nominated for Allstate Good Work Team

A few days ago the American Football Coaches Association and Allstate announced 2014's nominees for their Good Works Team, a group of 22 players (11 from FBS and 11 from FCS/lower divisions) who are recognized for "charitable involvement and community service contributions that stand out among all other student-athletes participating in the sport." Among the 90 FBS players listed was UTEP's own Nathan Jeffery.

Miner fans know very well what Jeffery brings to the gridiron, as he's been named to Doak Walker and Earl Campbell Award watchlists, and received All-Conference Honorable Mention among other awards. What Miner fans are less likely to know is that Jeffery passes up very few opportunities to contribute in a positive manner to his community, specifically the children of his community. The UTEP Athletics site has a list of Jeffery's community contributions which includes playing with children who have been abandoned or come from unstable family backgrounds at the Child Crisis Center, involvement in Project Move where the football team interacts with kids from the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brother Big Sister Organization, and numerous school visits to discuss topics such as anti-bullying, living drug-free, and literacy.

It has become very common for college athletes to make negative headlines for what they do off the field that it is especially refreshing to hear of such incredibly positive things a player is doing. The official Good Works Team will be announced in September, but we as UTEP Miner fans should commend him on his charitable regardless. Keep up the good work, Nathan!

Link to the full list of AFCA Allstate Good Works Team Nominees.