WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley University senior defensive back Jailen Branch (Randolph/Milton Academy) has been nominated for the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. He's one of eight Division II student-athletes and one of six from New England institutions under consideration for the prestigious honor.

Every year, the Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) honor college football players who balance academics and athletics, while remaining committed to helping others and bettering their communities. A total of 114 student-athletes with inspiring stories of community service were nominated by their respective sports information directors.

"For 31 years, the Good Works Team has recognized the inspirational work of thousands of young men off the football field," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "Allstate and AFCA celebrate these athletes as an example for how each of us can be true champions. Their selflessness makes the sport and communities across the country that much better."

"While these players are tremendous athletes on the field, they are even better people off of it. They realize that giving back is one of the most important things you can do in your life, and I am inspired by how they have used their opportunities to make life better for those around them," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member. "The impact they make will go well beyond their football careers. These men represent the true heart of our sport."

Branch, one of Bentley's team captains last year, is a two-time All-Northeast-10 honoree who received first-team recognition in 2021 and third-team honors in 2019. Last fall, while helping the Falcons reach the NCAA Division II playoffs, he recorded 31 tackles, ten passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Branch, in 30 career games, has 94 tackles, 16 passes defended and two interceptions.

Off the field, Branch founded and serves as president of the Bentley Black Student Athletes organization. The goal of BBSA is to create a better experience for a Black athlete at Bentley, current and future.

Branch, throughout his time at Bentley, has also been the football team's lead person with TEAM Impact, an organization which tackles the social isolation commonly associated with childhood illness and disability by connecting them with college athletic teams.

The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 114 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining strong academic standing.

Bentley, 9-2 in 2021, will open its season Sept. 2 at West Chester University.