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OKLAHOMA CITY, November 26, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association is proud to release the finalists for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. This list includes the nation’s three best defensive backs based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Texas’ Jahdae Barron, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Georgia’s Malaki Starks are the three defensive backs chosen as the 2024 finalists. This group of finalists represents two Power Five conferences in the Big Ten and SEC.
Jahdae Barron
University of Texas
Cornerback, Sr.
41 tackles (27 solo, 14 assisted), 10 defensive stops, 4 interceptions (65 yards), 5 pass breakups, 8 passes defended, 1 fumble return, 1 sack, 2 QB hurries
(started 11 games, 617 total snaps, 47 receiving targets)
Caleb Downs
The Ohio State University
Safety, So.
51 tackles (30 solo, 21 assisted), 6.5 TFLs, 19 defensive stops, 3 pass breakups, 3 passes defended, 1 sack, 2 QB hurries, 1 punt return touchdown
(started 11 games, 592 total snaps, 20 receiving targets)
Malaki Starks
University of Georgia
Safety, Jr.
55 tackles (35 solo, 20 assisted), 14 defensive stops, 1 interception (0 yards), 2 pass breakups, 2 passes defended, 2 QB hurries
(started 11 games, 672 total snaps, 36 receiving targets)
The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, members of the NCFAA and sports writers and college football journalists throughout the country.
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Finalists Fan Vote
For the seventh consecutive season, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will hold the official Finalists Fan Vote. Voting opens Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. EST and closes Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. EST. Voting is free to all participants. The winner of the fan vote will receive one vote toward the overall nationwide results. Use the link below to be directed to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Finalists Fan Vote.
https://www.paycom.com/about/sponsorships/jim-thorpe-award/
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards, and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Important Dates
Thu., Dec 12: Winner Announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards
The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.