NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Central Washington University senior safety Tanner Volk has been named a nominee to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced on Wednesday.
 
Volk was announced as one of a record 178 nominees for the 2024 Good Works Team. The reigning Cliff Harris Award winner was determined a match and donated marrow to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) last month to help save a life that needs it. Volk has also been a yearly participant in the annual CWU Football Yakima River Cleanup as well as an active member in the CWU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
Volk had a season for the ages in 2023 becoming the first ever Wildcat and junior to win the coveted Cliff Harris Award for the nation's best small college defensive player. That wasn't the only defensive player of the year award as he earned D2CCA Ron Lenz Defensive Player of the Year, Don Hansen Football Committee Defensive Player of the Year, and D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Year. On top of his player of the year awards, Volk also was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award. He also was a First Team All-American among the AFCA, AP, D2CCA, Don Hansen, and D2Football.com. He also earned the D2CCA Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year honor and was the Lone Star Conference J.V. Sikes Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the entire NCAA in interceptions with 13 and led NCAA Division II in total tackles with 124 enroute to helping the Wildcats to their first playoff victory and regional final since the 2009 season.
 
"This is an amazing award to be nominated for," Volk said. "This to me would mean more than any award I have gotten this past year. I'm just blessed to be able to help others and do great things for people other than myself."
 
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches, and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
 
This year's 178 total nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
 
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will honor a student-athlete who is inspired to serve others and make a positive impact on society. Together with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the awards will mark college football's premier honors for community service.
 
The final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in late September and will contain:

• 11 players from the NCAA FBS
• 11 players from the NCAA FCS, Division II, Division III, and the NAIA
• 1 honorary head coach

 
Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.