NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Elon linebacker Blake Thompson has been included among the 117 nominees for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team as announced by Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on July 17.

Thompson is one of three Southern Conference players up for the award.

Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has shown a spotlight on the countless “good works” and remarkable stories of service by student-athletes at all levels of college football competition.  Award recipients represent the sport’s finest in terms of character and leadership in the community. 

“This year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees have some of the most impressive community service resumes in the program’s 21-year history,” said Kathy Mabe, president of Allstate’s West regions and a member of the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team voting panel.  “These young men continue to raise the bar for the impact that student-athletes can have on others, and are an inspiration to Allstate, our agents and our employees.”

Tackles or touchdowns have no bearing on this award, for it is the many examples of “volunteerism” and “giving back” that have earned these players nominations from their respective colleges and universities.  From comforting patients at children’s hospitals, to building houses for needy families, to mentoring at-risk youth, each Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member has his own unique and inspiring story.

“After looking through the list of nominees for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, we are recognizing some of the best student-athletes in all of college football,” said Grant Teaff, executive director of the American Football Coaches Association.  “These 117 nominees understand the impact each of them have on their schools and communities, and it gives me great pleasure in recognizing their efforts for what they stand for, and what they mean to college football.”

Thompson, an Elkridge, Md., native, has been heavily involved with the local YMCA where he serves as a camp counselor and mentor.  He has also volunteered his times with Loaves and Fishes, RCS Head Start and the C.H.A.M.P.S. Program.  Thompson was also prominent in Phoenix Field Day, helping to bring local children from the housing authority to campus for a day of games and campus life.

Thompson made the move to linebacker from defensive back this spring.  In 10 games in 2011 he amassed 60 tackles, the second-highest total on the team.  He also had 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and two interceptions during his junior campaign.  Thompson made a career-high 13 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, in a win over The Citadel.  He recorded picks against both Western Carolina and Samford.

From the nominees, a special voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and prominent college football media members will select two 11-player Good Works Teams – one comprised of players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and another representing players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA.  The final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September.

Allstate and the AFCA will launch the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team website on ESPN.com featuring profiles and images of the final team members, as well as the opportunity for fans to vote for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain.