Arenas

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TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior cornerback and return specialist Javier Arenas has been nominated for the 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes college football players who make outstanding contributions in volunteerism and civic involvement.

Arenas, a native of Tampa, Fla., is one of 52 major-college football players nominated for their efforts. These athletes are being honored for their selfless efforts in the surrounding communities.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to brighten up the students’ and teachers’ day,” Arenas said in a press release. “Going to the different schools around Tuscaloosa and visiting the children is a down to earth experience. The visits remind me of myself at that age. I hope the message I have for these kids is something that will make a positive impression in their lives.”

Arenas has volunteered more than 50 hours of community service throughout the Tuscaloosa community. He has spent time in the local school systems, speaking to children about the dangers of bullying and the positive effects of teamwork.

He has visited Brookwood Middle School and Verner Elementary and attended birthday parties of physically challenged children, and has also reached out with phone calls to children battling cancer.

Arenas is also heavily involved with Project Angel Tree, which collects money and gifts for children who have incarcerated parents.

On the field, Arenas was a consensus second-team All-Southeastern Conference performer at both cornerback and return specialist last season, and is a first-team preseason pick in 2009.

He is Alabama’s career leader in punt return yards in a game, season and career. His six career punt returns for touchdowns are also a school record and tied for the most in SEC history.

The SEC has seven players nominated along with Arenas. The other six are Auburn’s Walter McFadden, LSU’s Lyle Hitt, Arkansas’ D.J. Williams, Florida’s Tim Tebow, Georgia’s Jeff Owens and South Carolina Mauricus Brown.

Other prominent college football players nominated include Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Texas’ Jordan Shipley and Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor.

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