Barkley making a difference

Junior quarterback Matt Barkley’s on-the-field achievements are well recognized: The third-year starter and Heisman Trophy candidate’s play through three games this season have football analysts projecting him to be a top five pick in next year’s NFL draft. Now, the team captain is being recognized for his contributions off the field.

Role model · Though widely recognized for his on-field play, junior quarterback Matt Barkley sets an example for the community off the field. - Carlo Acenas | Daily Trojan

Barkley was named a member of the 2011 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, which honors players who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“Allstate is proud to partner with the AFCA to present and grow awareness around this award and continues to be inspired by the commitment and dedication of its recipients,” said Allstate Executive Vice President Mark LaNeve. “For two decades this award has represented one of the great aspects of college football by shining a spotlight on the community involvement of its student-athletes.”

One of Barkley’s notable contributions came during an 11-day trip to Nigeria in December 2010 to visit widows, orphans, villagers and prisoners.

He performed construction work, distributed supplies and shared stories stories with the local people.

Barkley also traveled to an orphanage in South Africa in 2008 and has helped build homes for the poor in Mexico.

He has been an active member of his church and has played guitar in the church choir.

In high school, he helped found the Monarchs for Marines program to raise money for soldiers’ families.

Fans will determine the winner of the award by voting on ESPN.com and searching “Good Works.” They will choose from one of the 11 candidates from schools across the country.