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Vote for Colorado Buffaloes’ Derek McCartney to be the 2016 AFCA Good Works Team Captain

Buffaloes pass rusher named a finalist for a prestigious award in student-athlete charity work.

Colorado v Michigan Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images

Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Derek McCartney was named as a finalist for the 2016 Allstate AFCA Good Works team and needs help being named as team captain. For the past 25 years, the AFCA committee has recognized the best players in college football for achievement in the community and classroom.

Derek has excelled at football and has a passion for helping others. He participated in the "Be a match" initiative started by coach Mike MacIntyre, a program that helps patients with life-threatening blood illnesses find a donor. Coach brought the idea to life on campus with over 400 people participating. McCartney was matched up earlier this year to someone suffering with cancer and he graciously donated blood marrow.

McCartney guides his efforts in the community just as hard he does in the classroom. He graduated from CU this past May after three years with a degree in Integrative Physiology. His focus is currently on rehabbing after suffering a season-ending knee injury against Michigan and his coursework in pre-med.

The list has gone from 165 initial players to 22 finalists. "In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing"

The Colorado native is also the grandson of legendary Buffs coach Bill McCartney.

Click the link here to vote for Derek. One vote per day, per person.