2007 Jim Thorpe Award

The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to college football's best defensive back. Named after the Jim Thorpe, a great athlete who hails from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Last year's winner Aaron Ross from Texas, bringing home the award to Texas for the second time in a row. Michael Huff won the award in 2005 and was also a Texas DB. The award judges the winners based on performance on the field but also athletic ability and character. Here are the three finalists for the Thorpe Award.

Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona Jr. - Is third on the team in tackles with 69, 55 solo and 14 assisted. Has recorded 4 tackles for a loss and 1 sack. He has 5 int's on the year and 2 have been returned back for TD's, one going for 42 yards and the other 60 yards. Has 11 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. Runs punts back as well, has a total of 211 yards off of 23 returns and 2 TD's.


Jaime Silva, SS, Boston College, Sr - Leads the Eagles in tackling with 101 tackles, 63 solo and 38 assisted, also has 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Leads the team in int with 5 and has returned one back for a TD from 65 yards out. He has 3 passes defended and 1 forced fumble, also has a game high 18 tackles against Florida State.


Craig Steltz, SS, LSU, Sr - Leads LSU in tackles with 73 total tackles, has accounted for 46 solo and 27 assisted. Has recorded 1 sack and added 5 tackles for a loss. He leads the Bayou Bengals with 6 int's and the SEC, he's tied for 4th in the nation with his 6 int's. Also posted a game high against the Florida Gators, registering 16 tackles.