DSU’s Osborne Named to 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
Courtesy Dixie State Media Relations
ST. GEORGE, Utah - Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced on Friday that Dixie State post-graduate student wide receiver Deven Osborne has been named to the 30th-Anniversary 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Osborne is among 22 football student-athletes and one honorary coach selected to the 30th-Anniversary team. In all, 109 student-athletes from all divisions across the nation were nominated by sports information directors with stories of exemplary community service, alongside academic dedication and impact on and off the field.
The final 22-member team and honorary coach, were selected by a committee made up of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists.
"Deven receiving this award doesn't surprise me a bit," said DSU Head Football Coach Paul Peterson. "He has embraced what it means to be selfless. A natural leader, he is constantly looking for ways to serve his teammates, the university and community. He has a bright future in whatever he chooses to do."
Osborne was actively involved in several causes during the 2020-21 academic year. He served as president of the DSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and in that role spearheaded several social justice campus and community events and projects, highlighted by the university's first-ever "We Are ONE" Unity Fest, which was held in September of 2020.
The "We Are ONE" event included a Unity March, which focused on racial equality and social justice activism, which was followed by discussion and information on on-site voter registration, 2020 Census participation, organ donation and other social justice topics.
Osborne also led the DSU SAAC in several other on campus and community service projects, Black History Month events, reading books to students at several elementary schools, and a first-ever "Trailblazers vs. Trafficking" week of events, featured around education about the dangers, recognition, and elimination of human trafficking. This included a fundraiser for Operation Underground Railroad, and a special event during tailgating before DSU's home football game vs. Fort Lewis on March 27.
A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Osborne graduated from Dixie State with a 3.31 GPA in business administration, and has future plans to run his own business in property management and financial literacy education.
Osborne is the fifth college football student-athlete from the state of Utah to be selected to the Good Works Team, joining former Utah defensive backs Morgan Scalley (2004) and Eric Weddle (2006), former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson (2010) and former Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keaton (2014). In addition, Osborne is one of two Trailblazer football players to have earned the honor as former DSU transfer running back Jeffrey Coprich (2017) was named to the 2014 Good Works Team while at California.
Fans will have the opportunity to help Osborne become the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through online voting by visiting ESPN.com/Allstate. Voting is open now through Nov. 22, 2021. Throughout the season, fans can also follow along and join in on the conversation by using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association to recognize extra efforts by players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate became the presenting sponsor starting with the 2008 season.
"Throughout the 30 years of the Good Works Team, we have honored individuals who create lasting impact in their communities and at school," said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. "We have the perfect roster of outstanding individuals that continue that legacy for 2021 and beyond."
Community leadership aligns with Allstate's values and is part of its longstanding commitment to creating positive societal change.
"Every year, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team embodies the best of college athletics. These players have a positive impact in society," said Emmanuel Acho, former NFL linebacker, television analyst and 2011 Good Works Team alumnus. "To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is an honor. By rewarding these players for the impact they have on their communities, Allstate is truly demonstrating its commitment to making a difference across the country."
The following players have been named to the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be eligible for compensation. The honorary head coach, whose charity will also receive a donation, is listed below.
Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
Darien Rencher, Clemson
Camren McDonald, Florida State
Harry Miller, Ohio State
Mac Brown, Mississippi
Sean Clifford, Penn State
Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Kenneth Horsey, Kentucky
Cal Adomitis, Pittsburgh
Mo Hasan, USC
Race Porter, Washington
Elijah McAllister, Vanderbilt
Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III, and NAIA
Austin Phillips, Ashland
Jaran Roste Bethel (Minn.)
Chibuike Odo, Davidson
DEVEN OSBORNE, DIXIE STATE
Alnazir Blackman, Farleigh Dickinson-Florham
Philip Green, Minot State
Jessie Malit, North Carolina Central
Alex Shillow, Texas A&M Commerce
Hunter Rodrigues, UC Davis
DeValon Whitcomb, South Dakota
Julius Wilkerson, Wayne State
Honorary Head Coach
Matt Wells, Texas Tech