I'll be on the road today, so I won't be able to get up any links at lunchtime. But I did write a story for today's newspaper about walk-on LB Ashton Richardson. Here's how it starts:

AUBURN, Ala. -- The trip to Baton Rouge this weekend will have extra meaning for walk-on Auburn linebacker Ashton Richardson.

His father, Al, starred as a linebacker for LSU, so trips to Tiger Stadium during his childhood were frequent. It was also his family’s refuge when Hurricane Katrina ripped through his native New Orleans four years ago.

“Baton Rouge is definitely a special place for me,” said Richardson, who along with wide receiver DeAngelo Benton, is the only Louisiana native on Auburn’s roster. “I spent a lot of time there growing up.”

Richardson, a 6-foot, 190-pound sophomore, has found a niche with the Tigers, working on every one of Auburn’s special teams but narrowing his focus to kickoff coverage lately. His five tackles are the most among Auburn’s walk-ons.

“He is one of six or seven guys that have walked on and really helped this football team,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “He is a walk-on that has never asked for anything. He is out there working hard every day. When you have guys like Ashton step up to the plate and help you win, it is not only special for the football team but also for them. Ashton has been a huge help.”

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