Youngstown State Wide Receiver Max Tomczak is partnering with The Friends of The Rich Center for Autism for Saturday's game against Northern Iowa.

He's wearing custom cleats to raise awareness for The Rich Center.

Tomczak has been a bright spot for the 3-8 Penguins on the field this season. He's stepped into the role as WR1, recording 62 receptions for 803 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Off the field, he's also stepped into a new role, volunteering at The Rich Center. The organization says Tomczak has spent time learning about autism and interacting with the students, families and staff.

"Anytime we have someone with a genuine interest in learning about The Rich Center and what autism is helps us achieve our mission," Community Engagement Coordinator Jake Ellis said. "It's especially helpful when someone like Max comes along and is willing to use his visibility to help put The Rich Center in the limelight."

Ellis says Tomczak has become an almost weekly visitor to the Center and has spent time playing with students on the playground, eating lunch with them and joining them in the classroom.

"I came to The Rich Center and learned so much about the kids and what autism is," Tomczak said. "I got to know them each personally as individuals. It was nice to be able to come to The Rich Center and have the kids want to play with me and spend time with me. It was like for once I wasn't just a football player."

The cleats Tomczak will wear feature The Rich Center For Autism logo, his jersey number 4 and multicolored puzzle pieces which are a symbol for autism.

The Penguins will take the field against Northern Iowa at Stambaugh Stadium Saturday at noon.