Senior Jose Valdez of the Arkansas football team is one of 71 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA ) Good Works Team it was announced on Thursday.

Valdez, an offensive tackle from St. Francis, Wis., is penciled in as a starter for the second straight season for the Razorbacks after having a fantastic junior season in 2007.

Valdez has also been a standout for the Razorbacks in the community. His community efforts include visits to The Sunshine School for Disabled Children, reading to students at Holcomb Elementary School as part of the Read Across America program, participating in Arkansas' Book Hogs reading program, a visit to the Homestyle Assisted Living Center for Thanksgiving dinner and a visit to Oakdale Junior High School where he spoke to students about decision making, choices and overcoming racial issues.

Valdez's nomination for the Good Works Team makes him eligible for the 11-person NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision team. Voting on the team will be five former members of Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, two coaches, five members of the college football media and one Allstate representative.

Also taken into consideration for the team are players' on-field accomplishments. Valdez was Arkansas' starting left tackle last season and helped pave the way for Heisman Trophy runner-up and Doak Walker award winner Darren McFadden. The Razorback offense led the Southeastern Conference in rushing and ranked fourth in the nation with 286. 5 yards per game. He was also a major contributor to the Razorback offense in 2006, his sophomore year, playing in all 14 games as a backup. The Razorbacks again led the SEC in rushing and were fourth in the nation with 228. 5 yards per game.

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Also taken into consideration for the team are players' on-field accomplishments. Valdez was Arkansas' starting left tackle last season and helped pave the way for Heisman Trophy runner-up and Doak Walker award winner Darren McFadden. The Razorback offense led the Southeastern Conference in rushing and ranked fourth in the nation with 286. 5 yards per game. He was also a major contributor to the Razorback offense in 2006, his sophomore year, playing in all 14 games as a backup. The Razorbacks again led the SEC in rushing and were fourth in the nation with 228. 5 yards per game.