Oct. 18, 2012

USC quarterback Matt Barkley has been named one of 10 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes selected as finalists for the Senior CLASS Award.

The Senior CLASS Award is given to student-athletes who excel both on and off the field. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

CLASS, an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

Barkley, who carries a 3.21 GPA in communication, has worked extensively with Los Angeles area youth, serving as a mentor, coach and a role model. Much of his work in the community has been done through various student-run organizations at USC. Barkley's efforts extend beyond U.S. borders, as he has taken service trips to Haiti, Nigeria, South Africa and Mexico, where he has delivered supplies to underprivileged families and assisted with development projects.

The finalists were chosen by a media committee from the list of 30 candidates announced in September. Nationwide fan voting begins immediately to help select the winner. Fans are encouraged to vote on the SeniorCLASSAward.com website through December 3. Fan votes will be combined with media and Division I head coaches' votes to determine the winner.

The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the 2012-13 bowl season.

Other Football Finalists: Ryan Aplin, Arkansas State; Johnathan Banks, Mississippi State; Duron Harmon, Rutgers; Barrett Jones, Alabama; Landry Jones, Oklahoma; Collin Klein, Kansas State; Sean Renfree, Duke; Adam Replogle, Indiana, Manti Te'o, Notre Dame.

To view a complete list of the Senior CLASS candidates, visit seniorCLASSaward.com.