POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Rising junior safety Kolbe Benham of the Marist football team has been officially announced as a nominee for the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.
 
Benham is one of 136 student-athletes nominated for the award, which covers all levels of college football. Now in its 32nd year, the Good Works Team highlights those who have succeeded on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
 
"These bright young athletes are role models," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "We've celebrated thousands of college football players around the country for years, and they've had a huge impact on their communities and on society." 
 
Benham registered 11 tackles and an interception last season. He was named to the Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll in 2021. This spring, he attended the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Los Angeles. He took a leading role in Marist's White Ribbon campaign this past spring, and delivered a speech at the event.
 
From the 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. 
 
The Marist football team opens the 2023 season on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Georgetown. The first of the Red Foxes' five games at Tenney Stadium will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 against Davidson. Tickets for this season are on sale. Please visit MaristTickets.com for more information.