15 Named Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists

The Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists were announced, with 15 defensive backs named and three finalists to be revealed Nov. 25; the winner will be announced Dec. 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards. USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald is among the semifinalists, tying for the national lead with five interceptions while totaling 40 tackles, a sack and earning a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 91.3. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, despite missing two games, has three interceptions, a forced fumble and two pass deflections in five games and is Notre Dame’s highest-graded defensive player per PFF. Ohio State safety and captain Caleb Downs is a repeat semifinalist who anchors the nation’s top-ranked defense with 34 total tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception and is considered a projected NFL first-round pick. Newly listed semifinalists include Miami transfer Keionte Scott (34 tackles, seven for loss, one sack, three pass breakups and a forced fumble through seven games) and Tulsa sophomore Elijah Green (five interceptions, six pass breakups and a team-high 42 tackles).