Richardson a finalist for Bobby Bowden Award

Auburn linebacker Ashton Richardson is among three finalists for 2012 Bobby Bowden Award, presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to the player who best epitomizes a student-athlete. USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Ohio State defensive end John Simon are the other finalists for the award which will be announced Jan. 4 in Miami.

In order to be nominated for the Bobby Bowden Award, a player must conduct himself as a faith role model in the classroom, on the field, on the campus and in the community. Nominees must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and have the backing of their school’s athletics director and head football coach.

Richardson was a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a three-time member of the All-SEC honor roll and has a 3.95 GPA in equine studies.

Barkley, the 2012 Wuerffel Award winner and finalist for the Manning Award, carries a 3.2 GPA as a communications major.

Simon was on the watch list for the Lombardi Award, the Nagurski Award and the Bednarik Award, and owns a 3.0 GPA in sports and leisure studies.