Gregory Richie, of West Philadelphia High, has been selected the winner of this week's Donovan McNabb/Daily News award. He will attend the Eagles' game against Tampa Bay on Sunday as McNabb's guest.

Richie is a senior linebacker and running back for the Speedboys.

He has been an Eagles achievement award winner for two consecutive years and it is necessary to maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average to be eligible.

"Greg is one of those kids that you would call a breath of fresh air," West Philadelphia assistant coach Larry Bledsoe said. "He works so hard on and off the field I never have to holler at Greg. He does what I ask him to do.

"He's a fun-loving kid. Because we're the same height, Greg thinks that he doesn't have to look up to me . We both get a kick out of that all the time. This kid has the heart of a lion. He's only 5-3 and 117 pounds and plays linebacker like he's 6-foot and 225 pounds."

McNabb has continued the award started by Brian Dawkins last year. McNabb gives his two game tickets for home games to a deserving player.

The winner must attend the game with an adult chaperone (it must be a parent, guardian or coach). Richie will meet McNabb after the game and will receive two pregame sideline passes, courtesy of the Eagles.

The winners are chosen for exhibiting great effort on the field and in the classroom, as well as showing great character off the field. Nominees are submitted to the Daily News and the final selection is made by McNabb.