Obi Etuka Among 165 Nominees for 2016 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Final roster of 25 members will be announced in September
AFCA Release 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 15, 2016) – Western New England University cornerback Obi Etuka (Middletown, Conn.) is among 165 nominees for the 2016 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, it was announced on Wednesday.

Now in its 25^th year, the Good Works Team recognizes college football players that have "made a commitment to service and enriching the lives of others."

Etuka, who will be entering his senior season in 2016, helped lead Western New England to a 10-0 regular season, the team's second New England Football Conference (NEFC) title, and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament last fall.

The Middletown, Conn. native totaled five interceptions and ten pass breakups on his way to NEFC Defensive Player of the Year, D3football.com All-East Region, and New England Football Writers All-New England accolades.

Off the field, Etuka and the rest of the Western New England football team have been active in a community service initiative called Revitalize Community Development Corp (Revitalize CDC), in which they perform repairs, rehabilitations and modifications on the homes of low income families, as well as families with military veterans, special needs individuals, and elderly people in Springfield.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Allstate and the AFCA will add three additional spots to this year's team and announce a final roster of 25 members in September. For the first time in the award's history, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® will be comprised of 12 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, 12 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA and an honorary head coach.

Once the final team members are announced in September, fans are encouraged to visit the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® website on ESPN.com, featuring profiles and images of the players, for the opportunity to vote for the 2016 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® Captain.

In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.

Western New England opens its 2016 campaign at city rival Springfield College on Friday, September 2 at 7 p.m.