NEWS

Julian Rawlins in the game vs. Valparaiso last season.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., – Senior defensive lineman, Julian Rawlins, has been nominated for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® as announced by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Recommended by their head coaches, a record 178 student-athletes with exemplary community service, academic dedication and impact on and off the field were nominated in 2024. 

Rawlins, a standout from Huntersville, N.C., is the ninth Wildcat to appear on the ballot in the last 10 years, following Malik McDaniel, who was nominated for the 2023 Good Works Team. 

He volunteers at the Ada Jenkins Center, a non-profit organization that helps those in poverty break the cycle and gain economic independence. He also volunteers at the Room at the Inn in Charlotte which partners with colleges and congregations of many faiths to open their facilities to provide shelter and food for the homeless during the winter months. 

In addition to his volunteer work, Rawlins is one of five undergraduates to be selected to the 2024 MHI Summer Research Internship in Chapel Hill. The program consists of a 10-week mentored cardiovascular research project that addresses an important scientific question. MHI SUMMER students interact with lab members in their respective labs daily and meet with their mentors weekly.

In addition to working in a research lab, MHI SUMMER students attend sessions that cover responsible and safe research conduct, a weekly journal club to discuss and learn about cardiovascular science, and a career development series. The program concludes with attending the Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions in Boston, Massachusets.

On the field, Rawlins is a three-year player on the defensive line that is coming off a career season as a junior. He was the Wildcats’ top pass rusher as he led the team in sacks (6.5), quarterback hurries (11), and tackles for loss (10.5). The William A. Hough High School product also earned PFL First Team All-Conference accolades in 2023. 

About the AFCA Good Works Team

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their “good works” off the field. This year’s 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The final roster of 23 award recipients announced later in September will bring together:

• 11 players from the NCAA FBS
• 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
• 1 honorary head coach

All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.