Biegel nominated for AFCA Good Works Team
July 13, 2016 | Football, Badgers Give Back
Senior linebacker recognized for accomplishments in service and academics
MADISON, Wis. — Already known for his playmaking ability on the field, Wisconsin senior Vince Biegel has been recognized for his efforts beyond football.
Biegel was named Wednesday a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Good Works Team gives the American Football Coaches Association the opportunity to honor college football players who have made a "commitment to service and enriching the lives of others."
To be considered for the Good Works Team, a player must be involved in charitable work and maintain a strong academic standing. Biegel has been active in the Badgers Give Back initiative, giving his time to a variety of activities including visits to American Family Children's Hospital, school visits for Read Across America Day and a Habitat for Humanity home build.
In 2015, Biegel assisted in organizing and then took part in the "Badgers Go Bald" event in which members of the UW football program had their heads shaved by pediatric cancer patients from American Family Children's Hospital in a showing of solidarity for the children and their families.
In the classroom, Biegel is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Across all divisions, a total of 165 college football players have been nominated for the honor. The 25-person Good Works Team will be comprised of an honorary coach, 12 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 12 players from the Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA.
The Good Works Team will be announced in September, with fans having the opportunity to vote for the team's captain on ESPN.com.
Biegel is the top returner for a Badgers unit that led the nation in scoring defense (13.7 points per game) and ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense (268.5 yards per game) last season. Biegel was a third-team All-Big Ten selection while recording 66 total tackles — including 14.0 for loss and 8.0 sacks — as a junior in 2015.
The Wisconsin Rapids native enters 2016 as the Badgers' most experienced player, with 42 games and 28 starts to his credit. Biegel has started 25 consecutive games at outside linebacker and enters his senior year ranked eighth in school history with 17.5 sacks and 15th all-time at UW with 33.5 tackles for loss.
Pro Football Focus has rated Biegel the nation's top returning outside linebacker, grading him No. 1 both against the run and as a pass rusher.
He has been named to preseason watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy.
