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Matt Barkley 1 of 10 finalists for NCAA senior CLASS award

USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley is excelling not only on the football field, but in the classroom and in the community, as well.

By Scott Coleman
Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

USC Trojans fans everywhere are well versed in what quarterback Matt Barkley has meant to the program. Following a breakout season as a junior in 2011, Barkley elected to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his senior season. He now has the Trojans in the top 10 and battling for a national championship.

What USC folks may not be aware of is Barkley's contributions off the football field. He has been nominated for the CLASS award (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School), which is given to a senior Division I football player who has notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

Barkley has a 3.21 GPA as a communications major at USC. As the Pac-12 article mentions, he has also spent time in Haiti, Nigeria, South Africa and Mexico to assist struggling families living in bad conditions.

This season, Barkley has thrown for 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing nearly 63 percent of his passes.