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Seniors Head Jim Thorpe Award Finalists
Jim Thorpe - Olympic Decathlon Champion
The Jim Thorpe Award Screening Committee has announced three finalists for the 2010 Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation¹s best college defensive back. Texas Christian safety Tejay Johnson, Nebraska's cornerback Prince Amukamara and LSU's Cornerback Patrick Peterson, will be invited to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for the Dec. 9 Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show. The winner will be announced that night with the official presentation made at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 7.
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented to the outstanding defensive back in college football – based on athletic ability, performance on the field and character.
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska Sr., CB, 6-1, 205
Tejay Johnson, Texas Christian Sr., S, 6-1, 212
Patrick Peterson, Louisiana State Jr., CB, 6-1, 211
GAMES TACKLES PASSES
Solo Asst Total Int Yds Ret. TDs Bknup
Amukamra 11 28 20 48 -0- -0- -0- 11
Johnson 11 32 22 54 3 50 1 3
Peterson 11 23 10 33 4 101 -0- 5
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska Sr., CB, 6-1, 205
Amukamara has 48 tackles and one quarterback sack this year. He has also has 11 passes broken up and is projected as a first round pick in next year’s NFL draft. He was honored as a member of Nebraska’s Brook Berringer Citizenship Team for his community outreach activities and is heavily involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is on track to graduate in December in 3 1/2 years.
Tejay Johnson, Texas Christian Sr., S, 6-1, 212
Johnson is credited with 54 tackles, three interceptions, three passes broken up and three forced fumbles as the leader of the nation’s number one defense each of the last three seasons. He is considered the “anchor and glue” of the TCU defense and is entrusted with lining up everyone properly on each play. He mentors middle school kids, volunteers at a homeless shelter, participates in Big Brothers/Big Sisters events and is a member of TCU’s gospel choir.
Patrick Peterson, Louisiana State Jr., CB, 6-1, 211
Peterson has 33 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up and has returned punts and kickoffs for 688 yards and two touchdowns. He is rated a first round draft pick in the NFL, was an almost unanimous choice for preseason All-American teams and was on watch lists for the Thorpe Award, Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Lott Award and Walter Camp Award. He was named the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week for his performance against North Carolina and Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week against Mississippi State.
Frank Coyle will publish his Jim Thorpe vote next week. He has voted in this award for the past 15 years.
Frank Coyle writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards