A Pella football alumnus has been making a big impact off the field during his time at Drake University.
Nathan Clayberg, a fifth year senior defensive end for the Bulldogs, has been named to the Allstate American Football Coaches of America Good Works Team.
“When I was nominated, I felt there are so many people that have been a part of what I’ve done at Drake that I felt unworthy,” Clayberg said. “It’s a huge honor. People say they’re humbled, and that’s truly how I feel. I’m glad that I can be a part of things that make a difference.”
Clayberg is one of 22 players selected from all divisions of college football to earn the honor. In addition to his participation in Drake’s weekly off-campus reading program, Clayberg has founded not one, but two service organizations while at Drake University, including UNITE to focus on restoring the areas of society that are most broken while empowering future young leaders to follow their dreams. Additionally, Clayberg founded the Next Step Moving Company to financially aid specific non-profit efforts including Students Against Human Sex Trafficking, Des Moines Public Schools and Youth With a Mission.
“I am a man of faith and I am passionate about seeing the Kingdom [of God] come to this earth,” Clayberg added. “Everything I do is focused through that lens. Right now it is smaller things, but I hope to continue to dream big and make a difference that spans the state, country and world.”

He is also eligible to be named the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain based on fan voting through Nov. 23. Fans can vote for Clayberg at ESPN.com/Allstate.
Fellow Pella High alumnus and former Central College football player Jake Wassenaar is the most recent local athlete selected for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, back in 2015-16.