NORTHBROOK, Ill. — UTSA senior Rashad Wisdom has been named as a nominee for the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® as announced by Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Wednesday.
Wisdom, a Converse Judson High School product, is one of 114 student-athletes with exemplary community service, academic dedication and impact on and off the field who appear on the list.
A two-time first-team All-Conference USA performer at safety, Wisdom has been heavily involved in giving back to the San Antonio area community throughout his collegiate career. The cyber security major has volunteered his time with Rowdy Readers, Dr. Seuss Day for Youth Literacy, UTSA's Diploma Dash, UTSA Student Government Field Day, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March, as a speaker at local elementary schools and as an emcee for the 2022 UTSA Giving Day live video stream. The 2021-22 Roadrunner Pride award recipient also created a Go Fund Me to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank in addition to volunteering his time to help collect and sort donated food items.
Wisdom and his family also organize events for the Bryce Strong Foundation, which they started in honor of his younger brother, Bryce, who passed away after a battle with cancer in July 2020. The non-profit's mission is to bring awareness, assistance and resources to adolescent cancer warriors and their families in honor of Bryce.
On the field, Wisdom has been one of the team leaders since he stepped foot on campus in 2019. He is a representative on the team's Leadership Council and has served as team captain for numerous games during the last three seasons. He also serves as a football team representative on the UTSA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Wisdom has paced the Roadrunners in total tackles in each of the past two seasons, helping guide UTSA to 19 wins, a conference championship and a pair of bowl games during that timeframe. A two-time Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas College Team selection, he has registered 227 tackles, 158 solo stops, 12 tackles for loss, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery. He has returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns, which is tied for the school record.
In 2021, Wisdom recorded 88 tackles, 67 solo stops, four tackles for loss, six pass breakups and a forced fumble to help lead UTSA to a 12-2 record, the C-USA title, the program's first top-25 ranking and the Frisco Bowl. A 2021 Jim Thorpe Award watch list member, he logged 10-plus tackles three times, including a season-high 13 in the 52-46 road win over Western Kentucky.
"For 31 years, the Good Works Team has recognized the inspirational work of thousands of young men off the football field," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "Allstate and AFCA celebrate these athletes as an example for how each of us can be true champions. Their selflessness makes the sport and communities across the country that much better."
This year's candidates are scholars, leaders and community champions. They have volunteered to build homes, mentor underserved kids and feed the hungry, as well as advocate against domestic violence and civil injustice.
"While these players are tremendous athletes on the field, they are even better people off of it. They realize that giving back is one of the most important things you can do in your life, and I am inspired by how they have used their opportunities to make life better for those around them," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member. "The impact they make will go well beyond their football careers. These men represent the true heart of our sport."
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 exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2022 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); 2022 AFCA President and University of Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl and current Athletic Director at Virginia Union University Joe Taylor.
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. 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 off the field."
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 114 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.
UTSA will open its 12th season of play and third under 2021 C-USA Coach of the Year Jeff Traylor on Sept. 3 against Houston. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Alamodome in a game that will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.
Tickets are on sale now by calling or texting 210-458-UTSA (8872) or visiting goUTSA.com.
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