Penn State’s Saquon Barkley one of 21 nominees for Lombardi Award

Saquon Barkley played his final down in a Penn State uniform three weeks ago — but the national recognition keeps coming.

Barkley was named one of 21 nominees for the 2017 Lombardi Award, the foundation announced Monday afternoon.

From its inception in 1970 through 2015, the award was given to the nation’s best linebacker or lineman. Penn State pass rusher Carl Nassib was the Nittany Lions’ last recipient, in 2015.

Now, it is a national honor. As the foundation puts it, the Lombardi Award is “presented to an NCAA Division I player, regardless of position, based on performance, leadership, character and resiliency.”

Barkley is joined by Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, Stanford back Bryce Love, Fiesta Bowl opponent Vita Vea and 15 others on the Lombardi list.

Up to seven finalists for the award will be selected by voters and announced next week. The top four finalists will be invited to the Lombardi Honors presentation on Jan. 27 in Houston.

This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Penn State’s Saquon Barkley one of 21 nominees for Lombardi Award."