University of the Cumberlands football standout, P.J. Hughes (Montezuma, GA) has been nominated for the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is for players that meet criteria set forth by Allstate and AFCA, which entails that each player must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining good academic standing.

Twenty-two players from seventy-one nominations will be selected by a special selection committee assembled by the AFCA and Allstate to fill the two 11-player Good Works Teams. One composed of players competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and the other team representing players competing in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA.

Several noticeable names grace the list of nominees; Division-I All-American caliber players like Ohio State University Linebacker, James Laurinaitis - University of Georgia Wide Receiver, and Mohamed Massaquoi - University of Texas Quarterback, Colt McCoy. Along with All-SEC performers - University of Kentucky Punter, Tim Masthay, and University of Tennessee Wide Receiver, Josh Briscoe to name a few. 

Hughes will be looked upon as one of the Patriots top defensive players this upcoming season. During the 2007 season, he led the Patriots with 83 tackles - also adding 7 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, and 1 fumble recovery.   On the classroom side of things, Hughes carries a 3.9 GPA. In late 2007, Hughes was recognized as the NAIA's Football "Champion of Character."

For more information on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, visit http://www.afca.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9300&ATCLID=1550571

Hughes and the Patriots will kickoff the season on September 6th, when they travel to Mars Hill, NC to take on NCAA Division II Mars Hill College.

Article Provided by Brandon Hensley, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant