Al Netter Selected to 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Senior offensive lineman Al Netter can add another laurel to the long list he has collected over his Northwestern career. The California native was named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team on Tuesday along with 10 other FBS players. Netter and Nebraska defensive lineman Jared Crick are the only Big Ten players to make the cut.

Netter was named to the team in recognition of a long history of service that includes a trip to Guatemala, in which the 6-foot-6-inch, 310-pound force helped cultivate farmland for local residents as well as teach English. Netter was also a founding member of NU’s chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which raises money for individuals with Niemann-Pick Type C.

In addition to his good works off the field, Netter has been a stalwart on the field for the Wildcats. He is a nominee for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman, after receiving honorable mention All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons.

In addition to the honor, Netter will receive something far more tangible. Regardless of how well NU does this season, Netter will be making his way to a bowl game along with his fellow honorees. All the members of the Good Works Team are invited to take part in a special ceremony at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 3, 2012.

– Jonah Rosenblum