SPORTS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Senior Chibuike “ChiChi” Odo has been named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, announced by Allstate on Friday. He is one of 22 student-athletes named to the final team made of up 11 from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 combined from the NCAA Football Championship Division, Division II and III.

“ChiChi is a servant leader who combines his passion for serving, football and his faith to bring out the very best in each of us,” Davidson football head coach Scott Abell said. “Not only am I a better coach because of ChiChi, I am a better man. There is no one more deserving of this award.”

Odo is the sixth Wildcat to earn a spot on the ballot in the last eight years and the fifth member of the football team to land a spot on the team. The McKinney, Texas native is a familiar face on campus and has been involved in many community projects.

“I am so honored to be apart of the AFCA Good Works Team—it’s beyond words,” Odo said. “To be the college’s fifth recipient following Nate Casey and George Hatalowich, who are guys I’ve looked up to since I’ve gotten here, is crazy. ‘Little eyes are always watching’ is something that I have heard recently, and it rings true, because I am a product of my mentors, coaches, teammates, and their continued commitment to community service.

“From the start of my career here, Coach Abell, Coach Jackson, and Coach Eisenhofer have prioritized community service with the Ada Jenkins Center, local elementary schools, and organizations like Hope’s Door, and encouraged us to start initiatives of our own.  I have been fortunate to be inspired by the example of teammates like Jordan Reed, Jalen Jefferson, and Nick Baker—guys whose community impact doesn’t go unnoticed in my book. I thank God for this award, and I also thank Davidson because it takes a village. I am beyond excited to represent #WE.”

In the summer of 2020, he facilitated a scholar-athlete forum discussion titled “Let’s Talk About It” over Zoom that helped guide Davidson Athletic Director Chris Clunie‘s “Call to Action.” Odo was a catalyst for many teams to take action towards better team culture, community involvement and campus engagement on antiracism.

Clunie is one of many in the Davidson Athletic Community to recognize Odo’s impact.

“We are so proud of ChiChi and his selection to the Allstate Good Works Team,” Clunie said. “He is an incredibly thoughtful and considerate young man who embodies our deep commitment to leadership, service, and impact. Doing athletics right goes way beyond the field of play, and there is no better ambassador of this mission than ChiChi.”

The president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a former member of the student government association, Odo still has more plans on contributing to the world around him. On FCA spring break mission trips, Odo helped build a hydroelectric dam and a brick pathway for Refugio Solte on a retreat site in Uvita, Costa Rica. The following year, he went on a CATS Trip sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office to help repair and restore an old home in John’s Island, S.C.

He is working to launch the “Alumni Spotlight Initiative” at McKinney ISD, his home school district, and also has plans to become a Suicide Hotline Volunteer.

In addition to being named on the team, Allstate is pledging $1 million to honor the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, as well as their non-profits of choice, for their remarkable commitment to community service. Made possible by new NCAA Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules, Allstate has an opportunity to financially empower athletes who serve their communities, opening the door to new possibilities for players and beyond.

This is the largest NIL investment yet for community impact by a college football sponsor—and insurer. Unlike other recent NIL announcements, Allstate is financially empowering players in recognition for their work in local communities, not just their performance on the field. 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 University
Camren McDonald	Florida State University
Harry Miller	Ohio State University
Mac Brown	Ole Miss
Sean Clifford	Penn State University
Nakobe Dean	University of Georgia
Kenneth Horsey	University of Kentucky
Cal Adomitis	University of Pittsburgh
Mo Hasan	University of Southern California
Race Porter	University of Washington
Elijah McAllister	Vanderbilt University

Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and NAIA

Austin Phillips	Ashland University
Jaran Roste	Bethel University (Minn.)
Chibuike Odo	Davidson College
Deven Osborne	Dixie State University
Alnazir Blackman	Farleigh Dickinson University-Florham
Philip Green	Minot State University
Jessie Malit	North Carolina Central University
Alex Shillow	Texas A&M University-Commerce
Hunter Rodrigues	UC Davis
DeValon Whitcomb	University of South Dakota
Julius Wilkerson	Wayne State University

Honorary Head Coach

Matt Wells

Texas Tech University

To learn more about the 2021 AFCA Good Works Team, including stories surrounding players’ accomplishments within their communities, visit ESPN.com/Allstate.

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.

About the AFCA
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to “maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession” and to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football.”