THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (July 20, 2011) – On Tuesday, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Allstate Insurance Company announced the nominees for the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® and SUNY Maritime rising-junior Ricky McClain-DL (Wantagh, N.Y./St. Anthony's) is one of the record 132 student-athletes vying for a spot on the team. The award recognizes the selfless contributions to volunteerism and community service made by college football student-athletes across the nation.

"The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most important awards in college football because it highlights some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country," said Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director. "With this being the 20th year of this outstanding award, it's great to see a record number of nominees sent in from some of the leading football programs in the nation."

Aside from being an important role for the Privateers' defensive line who earned First Team All-ECFC Defense last season after picking up 34 total tackles, including seven for losses and three sacks in Maritime's championship run, McClain is busy off the field helping the less fortunate in the community. He has volunteered as a ski/snowboard instructor for developmentally disabled children and the physically impaired, including a former serviceman who lost his legs in Iraq.

For the complete release from the AFCA, click here. For an inspiring article that ran in the St. Petersburg Times earlier this summer featuring McClain as well as other nominees, click here.

The 11-man Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® that is comprised for FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes will be announced in late September.

Courtesy of SUNY-Maritime Athletics