Eastern Michigan Athletics
AFCA Recognizes Speights as Good Works Team Candidate
7/20/2022 9:26:00 AM | Football
The Valencia, Calif. native has been at the forefront of numerous activities on campus
NORTHBROOK, Ill. (EMUEagles.com) — For the second consecutive season, Eastern Michigan University senior linebacker Tariq Speights (Valencia, Calif.-Valencia-College of the Canyons) has been selected as one of 114 student-athletes nationwide eligible for the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which is widely recognized as the most prestigious community service award in college football.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for 31 years. The student-athletes nominated for this award not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds.
"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."
Last season for EMU, Speights led the team with 90 tackles to go along with 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. His 7.1 stops per game ranked 16th in the Mid-American Conference and 117th nationally. In total, he recorded at least five tackles in 10 contests, posting a season-best 13 against Ball State, Oct. 16, 2021.
Off the field, Speights helped organize a voter registration drive at EMU to get students out to vote. The goal was to challenge every eligible member of Eastern's varsity teams to be registered to vote. Additionally, he helped organize a Black Lives Matter rally that involved both athletic departments of EMU and Michigan. The rally was about student-athletes using their platform as college athletes, opening eyes, sharing a cause, and bringing awareness to racial inequality in this country. He also hosted a MLK Day March for of student-athletes in Ypsilanti. The celebration consisted of both an in-person march and virtual panel discussion.
Due in part to his leadership, EMU Athletics was able to send five student-athletes and an administrator to the Black Student-Athlete Summit this summer, and upon returning Speights developed a Black Student-Athlete organization on campus.
Furthermore, he has twice been honored by the Wuerffel Trophy for their preseason watch list that showcases exemplary community service with leadership.
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 players who demonstrate 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.
EMU season tickets are on sale in anticipation for the fall, as fans will have the opportunity to pick their seat inside the stadium. The "fan-friendly" 2022 schedule features six home games, five will be played before the month of October concludes. Furthermore, Eastern will defend the gray turf for four-of-six games between Sept. 24 and Oct. 29.
Eastern Michigan continues to offer the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $144. This package includes a wide chairback with armrests on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking. Chairback Season Tickets are $108 and include a chairback in Reserved Sections 104-109.
Reserved season tickets are just $99 (Reserved Sections 104-109), while General Admission season tickets are $75 (Sections 110-114 and the visiting side).
Tickets are on sale at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by calling 734.487.3669 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office.
Fans Pick the Captain
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."
Nomination Criteria
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.
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The SEC leads all conferences with 80 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 49 selections and the Big 12 Conference with 38 selections. Georgia is in first place with 21 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky with 17 honorees. Super Bowl XLII, XLVI and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, respectively.
The 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees are:
Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
Case Hatch
Arizona State University
Marquel Broughton
Army West Point
Anders Carlson
Auburn University
Brandon Martin
Ball State University
Taji Johnson
Boston College
Matt McDonald
Bowling Green State University
Kennedy Roberts
Coastal Carolina University
A'Jon Vivens
Colorado State University
DeWayne Carter
Duke University
Tariq Speights
Eastern Michigan University
Dillan Gibbons
Florida State University
Jalen Cropper
Fresno State
Myles Sims
Georgia Tech
Jack Tuttle
Indiana University
Anthony Johnson, Jr.
Iowa State University
Will Howard
Kansas State University
Isaac Vance
Kent State University
Mike Jones, Jr.
LSU
Owen Porter
Marshall University
Jordan Ferguson
Middle Tennessee State University
Austin Williams
Mississippi State University
Christopher Toudle
NC State University
Nick Rattin
Northern Illinois University
Ryan Hilinski
Northwestern University
Kai Caesar
Ohio University
B.R. Hatcher
Old Dominion University
Brandon Kipper
Oregon State University
Chris Stoll
Penn State University
Aidan O'Connell
Purdue University
Ikenna Enechukwu
Rice University
Noah Vedral
Rutgers University
Michael Shawcroft
San Diego State University
Patrick Fields
Stanford University
Aaron Bolinsky
Syracuse University
Andrew Coker
TCU
Layden Robinson
Texas A&M University
Micah Hilts
Texas State University
Tony Bradford, Jr.
Texas Tech University
Chase Griffin
UCLA
Max Michel
University at Buffalo
Bubba Arslanian
University of Akron
Jordan Battle
University of Alabama
Jordan Morgan
University of Arizona
Trey Paster
University of California
Wilson Huber
University of Cincinnati
Trey Dean III
University of Florida
Kearis Jackson
University of Georgia
Donavan Mutin
University of Houston
Michael Marchese
University of Illinois
Jack Campbell
University of Iowa
Sam Burt
University of Kansas
Jalen Geiger
University of Kentucky
Ellis Merriweather
University of Massachusetts
Wardalis Ducksworth
University of Memphis
Clay James
University of Miami
Blake Corum
University of Michigan
Tanner Morgan
University of Minnesota
Barrett Banister
University of Missouri
Ethan Piper
University of Nebraska
Christian Swint
University of Nevada, Reno
JD Bertrand
University of Notre Dame
Ethan Downs
University of Oklahoma
Deslin Alexandre
University of Pittsburgh
Keith Gallmon
University of South Alabama
Dakereon Joyner
University of South Carolina
Antonio Grier
University of South Florida
Daniel Bolden
University of Toledo
Dalton Kincaid
University of Utah
Chayce Chalmers
University of Virginia
Jackson Marcotte
University of Wyoming
Caleb Williams
USC
Andre Grayson
Utah State University
Rashad Wisdom
UTSA
Ben Bresnahan
Vanderbilt University
Isaiah Chaney
Wake Forest University
Zach Frazier
West Virginia University
Combined Divisions (FCS, D-II, D-III & NAIA)
Garrett Jaster
Arkansas Tech University
Austin Brenner
Ashland University
Jailen Branch
Bentley University
Matthew Feldick
Bethel University (Minn.)
Huey Bodger
Catholic University
Travis Rebstock
Dakota State University
Quentin James
Davidson College
Max Jones
Harvard University
Alan Gorny
Johns Hopkins University
Teddy Wright
Marist College
Justin Szuba
Monmouth University
Sione Tuifua
Morningside University
Jared McCray
Murray State University
James Kaczor
North Dakota State University
Haji Sidibe
Ohio Wesleyan University
Garrison Dodge
Peru State College
Michael Ruttlen, Jr.
Princeton University
Marcus Davis
Saint Augustine's University
Michael Wozniak
Saint John's University (Minn.)
Kyante Christian
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Landon Wolf
South Dakota State University
Caleb High
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cameron Borges
Springfield College
Elijah Hoffman
Susquehanna University
Matt Pardi
The College of Wooster
DeVante Reid
Trinity College
Tyler Johnson
Tufts University
Andrew Cantrell
Tusculum University
Thyrick Pitts
University of Delaware
Sean McCormick
University of Idaho
Matt Lilja
University of Mount Union
Garett Maag
University of North Dakota
Spencer Cuvelier
University of Northern Iowa
Noah Borgeson
University of St. Thomas (Minn.)
McClendon Curtis
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Armonii Burden
Virginia Union University
Owen Grover
Wartburg College
Cole Konieczka
Westminster College (Pa.)
Head Coach
Kyle Shipp
Arkansas Tech University
Jay Norvell
Colorado State University
David Bowser
Saint Augustine's University
Gary Fasching
Saint John's University (Minnesota)
Jimbo Fisher
Texas A&M University
Mark Stoops
University of Kentucky
Blake Anderson
Utah State University
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for 31 years. The student-athletes nominated for this award not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds.
"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."
Last season for EMU, Speights led the team with 90 tackles to go along with 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. His 7.1 stops per game ranked 16th in the Mid-American Conference and 117th nationally. In total, he recorded at least five tackles in 10 contests, posting a season-best 13 against Ball State, Oct. 16, 2021.
Off the field, Speights helped organize a voter registration drive at EMU to get students out to vote. The goal was to challenge every eligible member of Eastern's varsity teams to be registered to vote. Additionally, he helped organize a Black Lives Matter rally that involved both athletic departments of EMU and Michigan. The rally was about student-athletes using their platform as college athletes, opening eyes, sharing a cause, and bringing awareness to racial inequality in this country. He also hosted a MLK Day March for of student-athletes in Ypsilanti. The celebration consisted of both an in-person march and virtual panel discussion.
Due in part to his leadership, EMU Athletics was able to send five student-athletes and an administrator to the Black Student-Athlete Summit this summer, and upon returning Speights developed a Black Student-Athlete organization on campus.
Furthermore, he has twice been honored by the Wuerffel Trophy for their preseason watch list that showcases exemplary community service with leadership.
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 players who demonstrate 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.
EMU season tickets are on sale in anticipation for the fall, as fans will have the opportunity to pick their seat inside the stadium. The "fan-friendly" 2022 schedule features six home games, five will be played before the month of October concludes. Furthermore, Eastern will defend the gray turf for four-of-six games between Sept. 24 and Oct. 29.
Eastern Michigan continues to offer the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $144. This package includes a wide chairback with armrests on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking. Chairback Season Tickets are $108 and include a chairback in Reserved Sections 104-109.
Reserved season tickets are just $99 (Reserved Sections 104-109), while General Admission season tickets are $75 (Sections 110-114 and the visiting side).
Tickets are on sale at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by calling 734.487.3669 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office.
Fans Pick the Captain
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."
Nomination Criteria
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.
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The SEC leads all conferences with 80 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 49 selections and the Big 12 Conference with 38 selections. Georgia is in first place with 21 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky with 17 honorees. Super Bowl XLII, XLVI and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, respectively.
The 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees are:
Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
Case Hatch
Arizona State University
Marquel Broughton
Army West Point
Anders Carlson
Auburn University
Brandon Martin
Ball State University
Taji Johnson
Boston College
Matt McDonald
Bowling Green State University
Kennedy Roberts
Coastal Carolina University
A'Jon Vivens
Colorado State University
DeWayne Carter
Duke University
Tariq Speights
Eastern Michigan University
Dillan Gibbons
Florida State University
Jalen Cropper
Fresno State
Myles Sims
Georgia Tech
Jack Tuttle
Indiana University
Anthony Johnson, Jr.
Iowa State University
Will Howard
Kansas State University
Isaac Vance
Kent State University
Mike Jones, Jr.
LSU
Owen Porter
Marshall University
Jordan Ferguson
Middle Tennessee State University
Austin Williams
Mississippi State University
Christopher Toudle
NC State University
Nick Rattin
Northern Illinois University
Ryan Hilinski
Northwestern University
Kai Caesar
Ohio University
B.R. Hatcher
Old Dominion University
Brandon Kipper
Oregon State University
Chris Stoll
Penn State University
Aidan O'Connell
Purdue University
Ikenna Enechukwu
Rice University
Noah Vedral
Rutgers University
Michael Shawcroft
San Diego State University
Patrick Fields
Stanford University
Aaron Bolinsky
Syracuse University
Andrew Coker
TCU
Layden Robinson
Texas A&M University
Micah Hilts
Texas State University
Tony Bradford, Jr.
Texas Tech University
Chase Griffin
UCLA
Max Michel
University at Buffalo
Bubba Arslanian
University of Akron
Jordan Battle
University of Alabama
Jordan Morgan
University of Arizona
Trey Paster
University of California
Wilson Huber
University of Cincinnati
Trey Dean III
University of Florida
Kearis Jackson
University of Georgia
Donavan Mutin
University of Houston
Michael Marchese
University of Illinois
Jack Campbell
University of Iowa
Sam Burt
University of Kansas
Jalen Geiger
University of Kentucky
Ellis Merriweather
University of Massachusetts
Wardalis Ducksworth
University of Memphis
Clay James
University of Miami
Blake Corum
University of Michigan
Tanner Morgan
University of Minnesota
Barrett Banister
University of Missouri
Ethan Piper
University of Nebraska
Christian Swint
University of Nevada, Reno
JD Bertrand
University of Notre Dame
Ethan Downs
University of Oklahoma
Deslin Alexandre
University of Pittsburgh
Keith Gallmon
University of South Alabama
Dakereon Joyner
University of South Carolina
Antonio Grier
University of South Florida
Daniel Bolden
University of Toledo
Dalton Kincaid
University of Utah
Chayce Chalmers
University of Virginia
Jackson Marcotte
University of Wyoming
Caleb Williams
USC
Andre Grayson
Utah State University
Rashad Wisdom
UTSA
Ben Bresnahan
Vanderbilt University
Isaiah Chaney
Wake Forest University
Zach Frazier
West Virginia University
Combined Divisions (FCS, D-II, D-III & NAIA)
Garrett Jaster
Arkansas Tech University
Austin Brenner
Ashland University
Jailen Branch
Bentley University
Matthew Feldick
Bethel University (Minn.)
Huey Bodger
Catholic University
Travis Rebstock
Dakota State University
Quentin James
Davidson College
Max Jones
Harvard University
Alan Gorny
Johns Hopkins University
Teddy Wright
Marist College
Justin Szuba
Monmouth University
Sione Tuifua
Morningside University
Jared McCray
Murray State University
James Kaczor
North Dakota State University
Haji Sidibe
Ohio Wesleyan University
Garrison Dodge
Peru State College
Michael Ruttlen, Jr.
Princeton University
Marcus Davis
Saint Augustine's University
Michael Wozniak
Saint John's University (Minn.)
Kyante Christian
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Landon Wolf
South Dakota State University
Caleb High
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cameron Borges
Springfield College
Elijah Hoffman
Susquehanna University
Matt Pardi
The College of Wooster
DeVante Reid
Trinity College
Tyler Johnson
Tufts University
Andrew Cantrell
Tusculum University
Thyrick Pitts
University of Delaware
Sean McCormick
University of Idaho
Matt Lilja
University of Mount Union
Garett Maag
University of North Dakota
Spencer Cuvelier
University of Northern Iowa
Noah Borgeson
University of St. Thomas (Minn.)
McClendon Curtis
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Armonii Burden
Virginia Union University
Owen Grover
Wartburg College
Cole Konieczka
Westminster College (Pa.)
Head Coach
Kyle Shipp
Arkansas Tech University
Jay Norvell
Colorado State University
David Bowser
Saint Augustine's University
Gary Fasching
Saint John's University (Minnesota)
Jimbo Fisher
Texas A&M University
Mark Stoops
University of Kentucky
Blake Anderson
Utah State University
Players Mentioned
LB
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