NORTHBROOK, Ill. - Fresno State senior defensive back Dean Clark is among the nominees for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, the organizations announced Wednesday.
Clark is one of 111 FBS student-athletes from around the country nominated for this year's honors. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football's premier award for community service, is presented annually to the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel, the award honors the former NFL quarterback's commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world.
Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to bring together two of the most meaningful awards in college football.
"Our partnership with Allstate and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team builds upon the purposeful impact of these awards," said Wuerffel. "We want to inspire college athletes to be community-minded, live for others, and sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of other people."
Clark was a standout player for the Bulldogs in his first season, transferring in ahead of the 2023 season from Kent State. He started in all 12 games he was available for, and was second on the team with 83 total tackles. He added 1.0 TFL, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, two quarterback hurries and four pass breakups on the season. He excels academically as well, earning CSC Academic All-District recognition, along with an Academic All-Mountain West honor.
Off the field, Clark takes great pride in giving back to the youth. A native of Massillon, Ohio, Clark grew up in a football-heavy community and was heavily inspired to do good by the game of football.
"Giving back to youth in the community is very fulfilling to me, and one of my favorite things to do," said Clark. "I have been very blessed with great mentors and people who gave their time and resources to me as a kid, so it is important to me to do the same and show up for the youth whenever I can."
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will honor a student-athlete who is inspired to serve others and make a positive impact on society. Together with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, whose 2024 nominees were announced Wednesday, the awards will recognize college football's premier honors for community service.
"Student-athletes deserve recognition for their contributions both in and out of sports" said Troy Hawkes, Allstate executive vice president and general manager. "The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy doubles down on Allstate's commitment to celebrating college football athletes for outstanding performance on the field, in the classroom, and in their community."
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient will be selected by a national voting committee and announced on The Home Depot/ESPN College Football Awards Show in December. Only FBS players elected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team are eligible for the honor, which replaces the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain.