NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Carson-Newman junior running back Antonio Wimbush (Kingsland, Ga.) has been nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which is designed to recognize college football players that have made a commitment to service and enriching the lives of others.
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.
Carson-Newman has seen six players make the make the final 25 as Byron Bell (2011), Kevin Day (2012) and Curt Duncan (2013) did so in consecutive seasons with Joey King earning a spot in 2005 and 2003. Dan Gallman made the cut last season.
The Eagles six selections are the most in all Division II. The Eagles trail St. Thomas (Minn.) (D-III), 13 and Bethel (Minn.) (D-III), for the most selections among non-FBS schools. The Eagles are tied with FCS power North Dakota State.
In addition to his on-field achievements and work in the classroom, Wimbush has helped with the Jefferson City Food Bank.
He has volunteered each year with Luke 14, a special needs day where he goes to Manley Baptist to assist with activities.
The junior has volunteered at Carson-Newman's yearly day of service, Operation INASMUCH, and the football team's annual day of service.
As a sophomore, Wimbush piled up 941 yards rushing and nine touchdowns to lead the Eagles' veer-option attack.
He tallied four 100-yard rushing performances on the year, including a career best 148 yards in the opener against Humboldt State.
Wimbush closed the season with three straight 100-yard games against Limestone (10/29), North Greenville (11/5) and Tusculum (11/12). He tallied multi-TD efforts against Catawba (9/17), Mars Hill (9/24) and Limestone. Wimbush was also prolific through the air, catching 20 passes for 257 yards and a score.
At the conclusion of the season, he earned first team All-South Atlantic Conference honors and was name to Don Hansen's Football Gazette's All-Region team.
