ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Navy senior striker
Xavier McDonald is one of 11 FBS players selected to the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. The AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
McDonald, who is the starting striker (outside linebacker) on the Navy defense has completed close to 50 hours of community service over the last year. He has made several visits to the Naval Academy Primary School in Annapolis to talk to the kids about his upbringing and provide a story of hope. He has also served as a tutor at the Naval Academy in thermodynamics.
McDonald overcame an enormously challenging childhood to become a high achiever in both academics and athletics in high school. He somehow managed to excel in football, track and field and academically, while working 30 to 35 hours a week and taking care of four younger siblings.
McDonald took on that heavy responsibility as a freshman in high school after both his parents were incarcerated simultaneously.
To help support himself and his siblings, McDonald got a job as a cashier at Winn-Dixie. During football season, he would ride a bicycle from Northeast High to the grocery store and work from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. He then rode the bike home and studied, sometimes until 2 a.m. Despite the dire situation, McDonald was even more determined to succeed. He made the Northeast High varsity football team and started at safety as a sophomore, leading the team in tackles that season. He also maintained a 3.5 GPA.
McDonald has appeared in 26 games at Navy and has started in each of the first two games this year, recording 3 tackles each against Notre Dame and Wagner.
Allstate will honor the Good Works Team on Jan. 1 at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, an annual tradition provided courtesy of Allstate as an additional honor for being selected to the team. The trip will span 3-days and include a variety of events.
2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
Football Bowl Subdivision
Tyler Batty, DE, BYU
Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Ja'Mion Franklin, DT, Duke
Mekhi Wingo, DL, LSU
Jaylen Pate, DL, Northwestern
Xavier McDonald, LB, Navy
Matthew Cindric, OL, California
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Ethan Downs, DE, Oklahoma
Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pitt
