Arenas Recognized For Off-Campus Work

Alabama cornerback and return specialist Javier Arenas was nominated for the 2009 All-State American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, which recognizes college football players who make outstanding contributions in the area of volunteerism and civic involvement.

Javier Arenas, an upcoming Alabama senior from Tampa, Fla., is one of 52 Division I-A student-athletes across college football nominated for their efforts away from the gridiron. 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. “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 team work.

He has given his time to speak to a lunchroom full of students at Brookwood Middle School and Verner Elementary while attending birthday parties of physically challenged children and reaching 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 is one of the most dangerous return men in the country and a lockdown cornerback. He was a consensus second-team All-SEC 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 while tying the conference mark.

The Southeastern Conference has seven players nominated along with Arenas, including 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 include Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Texas’ Jordan Shipley and Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor.