Fresno State football player Jacob Vazquez has been nominated for the 25th anniversary Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for his off-field commitment to serving the community.
The 2016 AFCA Good Works Team will recognize 24 student-athletes and an honorary head coach out of 165 nominees for their dedication to the community and enriching the lives of others, while balancing academics with athletics.
To be considered, nominees must maintain strong academic standing and be involved with a charitable organization or service group.
“It was a great honor. Humbling,” Vazquez said. “There were a lot of great people that were nominated, and it was just nice to be considered.”
And should he be selected when the final roster is announced in September?
“That would be really cool,” Vazquez said. “I try not to do service projects and community service just for the awards. Whether I win or lose, I think the main point is that people are getting helped and communities are being built up.”
Vazquez participates in Fresno State’s Big Heroes, Little Heroes program at Valley Children’s Hospital where student-athletes are paired with seriously ill children to bond with them and spend quality time together.
The returning starter also volunteers at local schools during Read Across America Week to educate children and teens on the importance of literacy and reading. He also coaches at local youth football clinics to improve the skills of young football players and teach them the importance of teamwork and dedication.
Vazquez hopes being nominated for this award will change the way the football team is perceived and strengthen the bond between the program and the community.
“He’s been a leader on and off the field,” Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter said. “He’s a great example for everybody.”
DeRuyter said that it is extremely valuable having a player like Vazquez on the team, especially at the center position.
“He’s a guy who is always steady,” DeRuyter said. “The guys know you can count on him and when you have that trust of a player, you don’t worry. It makes it a lot easier on the whole operation.”
The Bulldogs’ senior offensive lineman, a native of Cottonwood, Calif., said that his passion for community service was passed down by his dad.
“My dad was really big in community service and so he helped me get involved a lot,” he said.
Vazquez performed many community service projects in his hometown through his church and through his involvement with the Future Farmers of America program in high school.
Vazquez made seven starts last season for the Bulldogs at center and right guard.
In an article on PR Newswire, Allstate Insurance Company top official Thomas Clarkson said, “The positive impact these young athletes have on their communities is an inspiration to us all and another reason to celebrate the good happening in our communities and in college athletics.”
If selected, Vazquez would join an elite group of previous recipients including professional quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, along with Heisman Trophy winners Tim Tebow and Robert Griffin III.