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Brandner Nominated for AFCA Good Works Team
7/10/2017 2:31:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke redshirt senior offensive tackle Gabe Brandner is one of 146 nominees for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, one of the most prestigious off-the-field honors in college football. Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the nominees Monday.
Brandner is a Duke graduate with a degree in evolutionary anthropology and minor in chemistry. The Blythewood, S.C., native is currently pursuing a master's degree in liberal studies. He finished his undergraduate career with a 3.637 grade point average. Brandner was a 2015 CoSIDA Academic All-District III honoree as well as a two-time All-ACC Academic Football Team selection and four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member.
Within the community, Brandner has been active in several service projects, including the Lideres Unidos Futbol Club, National Inclusion Project, Habitat for Humanity and Kid's Club in Oxford Manor. With the National Inclusion Project, Brandner works with the national organization dedicated to creating programs for children with special needs. In April, he served as a dancer for the Dance Like the Stars annual fundraiser, raising more than $1,300 individually for the group. He has promoted principles of inclusivity and increased education and awareness for the Inclusion Project.
On the field, Brandner is a preseason All-ACC selection by Lindy's Sports (3rd team) and Athlon Sports (4th team). In 29 career games (24 starts), Brandner has played 1,923 snaps.
Last fall, he started the first 11 games of the season at left tackle before suffering a season-ending fractured ankle at Pittsburgh. He was part of a Blue Devil offensive line that helped Duke finish the season as one of four ACC schools to complete at least 62 percent of its pass attempts along with a 2:1 TD-to-INT ratio, joining Clemson, North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Brandner and the offensive line helped produce four 200-200 performances as the Blue Devils posted 200+ rushing and 200+ passing yards versus N.C. Central, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has brought together a select group of college football players from across the country to honor their dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others. While players are often recognized for their accomplishments and achievements on game day, these student-athletes have made significant contributions to the greater good of society, inspiring future generations of young athletes and the larger college football community.
“Allstate is immensely honored to partner with the AFCA for the 10th year to help pay tribute to these players and their off-the-field 'good works' that often go unnoticed and unrewarded,” said Thomas Clarkson, president of the west territory for Allstate Insurance Company and a member of the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel. “The individuals nominated to the 2017 Good Works Team® are making a positive impact and uniting communities across the country through service, showing what's possible when you put all hands in and give back.”
The student-athletes nominated for this esteemed award embody the true spirit of teamwork and selflessness, donating their limited free time to helping and serving others. From founding a non-profit that helps orphans secure jobs in the workforce to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominees may wear different jerseys on the field, but they all exemplify a superior commitment to giving back off of it.
“After looking at the bios of the 146 nominees we received for 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, it really shows that there are great football student-athletes all over this country who just don't care what happens between the sidelines, but they also care about their community and giving back to others,” Todd Berry, AFCA Executive Director said. “The AFCA has been proud to partner with Allstate these past 10 years to honor football players who give more of themselves to help others in need.”
Comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 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.
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
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