Jackson, Johnson Named Thorpe Semifinalists
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced the 14 semifinalists for the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Monday, and two Miami Hurricanes made the cut.
Both senior cornerback Michael Jackson, Sr., and senior safety Jaquan Johnson were selected as players to watch for the award, which honors the best defensive back in college football. The Hurricanes were one of just three teams nationwide to have two players selected to the 14-member list.
Despite playing in just five games this season, Johnson leads the Hurricanes with 44 total tackles. Johnson, who has started each of the five games he has participated in, has one blocked field goal and been among Miami’s top contributors in the secondary. Johnson has totaled 204 tackles, six interceptions and 12 PBUs in 44 career games at Miami.
Jackson, Sr., who has started all seven games this year, has totaled 22 tackles in another strong campaign. Jackson, who had a season-high three PBUs in Miami’s come-from-behind win over Florida State on Oct. 6, has totaled 77 tackles and four interceptions in his career. In a breakout 2017 season, Jackson earned second-team All-ACC recognition with 43 tackles and five PBUs across 13 games.
The three finalists for the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be named on Monday, November 19th, at 10:00 CST and the winner will be announced live at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6th, airing on ESPN. The winner of the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be honored at a banquet in Oklahoma City on February 5, 2019. Tickets to the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be available for purchase December 8, 2018.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. It is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists list is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 10-15 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 6, 2018, on ESPN.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, in Oklahoma City, OK.
