This year, at least.
The Jim Thorpe Award named Tuesday its three 2023 finalists for the best defensive back in college football:
Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Cornerback, Jr.
41 tackles (26 solo, 15 assist), 2 interceptions (41 yards), 5 passes defended (through Week 10)
Malaki Starks
Georgia, Safety, So.
43 tackles (25 solo, 18 assist), 2 interceptions (21 yards), 6 passes defended
Trey Taylor
Air Force, Safety, Sr.
71 tackles (39 solo, 32 assist, 0.5 sacks), 3 interceptions (97 yards, 51-yard long interception, 1 touchdown), 4 passes defended
Xavier Watts was one of the 15 semifinalists. Here are his stats for comparison:
47 tackles (28 solo, 19 assist, 2.5 for loss), 7 interceptions (137 return yards, 38-yard long), 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Maybe ND can motivate him to return for a chance to win it next year?
The Jim Thorpe Award named Tuesday its three 2023 finalists for the best defensive back in college football:
Cooper DeJean
Iowa, Cornerback, Jr.
41 tackles (26 solo, 15 assist), 2 interceptions (41 yards), 5 passes defended (through Week 10)
Malaki Starks
Georgia, Safety, So.
43 tackles (25 solo, 18 assist), 2 interceptions (21 yards), 6 passes defended
Trey Taylor
Air Force, Safety, Sr.
71 tackles (39 solo, 32 assist, 0.5 sacks), 3 interceptions (97 yards, 51-yard long interception, 1 touchdown), 4 passes defended
Xavier Watts was one of the 15 semifinalists. Here are his stats for comparison:
47 tackles (28 solo, 19 assist, 2.5 for loss), 7 interceptions (137 return yards, 38-yard long), 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Maybe ND can motivate him to return for a chance to win it next year?
