CHICAGO – As a kid growing up in Maryland, Jordan Lomax benefited from the kindness of others who gave back to his community.

Lomax made a promise to himself that he would do the same thing if ever in a position to do so.

Now a senior defensive back on the Iowa football team, Lomax has kept his promise.

He recently was named to the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. For 24 years, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has recognized college football players from across the country who exemplify a superior commitment to community service and volunteerism.

“It means a lot,” Lomax said of being recognized. “It’s pretty much taking care of business off the field in the community, in school and then just being a leader for the team.”

Lomax knew when he became a Hawkeye that he would make an effort to give back to the community. He saw how much it helped him as a kid and wanted to have the same positive influence.

“Just because when I was growing up, people came back to my school and gave back to me,” said Lomax, who graduated from DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Md. “So I definitely wanted to return to the favor.”

Lomax said the Iowa coaches, especially Director of Player Development Chic Ejiasi, always stress giving back to the community.

“They’re really good at it,” Lomax said. “Chic Ejiasi is always letting us know any type of community events that we could give back and help with around the area. “He lets us know when we can do it. And if you’re available and have time for it, we usually try and do it.”

Lomax has gone out of his way to be available since becoming a Hawkeye. He signed with Iowa in 2011 after previously being committed to Virginia.

Throughout his college career Lomax has been involved in a number of community service projects, including the Hawkeye Readers Program, Hawkeye Pride Mentoring Program, Ladies Football Academy, Football Leadership Retreat, Camp Courageous, Dance Marathon, and Spring Dance for Children’s Center for Therapy. He has also been a frequent visitor to patients at both the UI Children’s Hospital and the VA Hospital.

Lomax also has excelled on the playing field, starting 12 games last season at free safety. He led the Hawkeyes with six pass break-ups, while also collecting one interception and a forced fumble. He earned the team Hustle Award for both defense and special teams in 2014. He previously was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy preseason Watch List.

In addition to that, Lomax excels in the classroom, earning academic all-Big Ten honors in each of the past two seasons as an economics major.

His list of accomplishments on and off the field helped Lomax earn a trip to Chicago this past week as one of three players picked to represent Iowa at Big Ten Media Day. He was joined by senior center Austin Blythe and senior defensive end Drew Ott.

“It shows that you’re a leader on the team and you’re able to speak on the team’s behalf,” Lomax said of representing Iowa at Big Ten Media Day.