OTTAWA - Laval quarterback Hugo Richard was nominated as a finalist for the Hec Crighton Trophy on Friday.

The first-year pivot from St. Bruno, Que., was named player of the year in the Quebec conference (RSEQ) and also took the rookie of the year honour.

The Crighton award is given by Canadian Interuniversity Sport to the top football player in the nation. Acadia receiver Brian Jones, Wilfrid Laurier running back Dillon Campbell and Calgary quarterback Andrew Buckley were nominated earlier this week.

Richard led the CIS in passing yards (2,576), touchdown passes (22), TD-to-interception ratio (22-4) and was third in completion percentage (65.4).

The CIS awards banquet is scheduled for Nov. 27 in Montreal, two days before the Vanier Cup.