WO-S 89
11-24-2009, 10:04 AM
Texas sophomore safety Earl Thomas has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Thorpe Award, honoring the nation’s top defensive back. Thomas will attempt to become Texas’ third winner of the award in the last five years, following S Michael Huff in 2005 and CB Aaron Ross in 2006. Thomas has posted 57 tackles (37 solo), seven INTs, 15 PBU and a forced fumble in 2009. His 22 passes defended rank first nationally and his seven INTs are tied for the third most. The seven INTs are also tied for first on UT’s single-season list, which is the oldest standing Longhorn record after first being set in 1940. In addition, Thomas has returned two of his seven INTs for TDs (92 and 31 yards), making him one of only six players nationally to do so. The two INT returns for TDs are tied for first on UT’s single-season list. His 149 INT return yards this season rank second on UT’s single-season list and are fifth nationally. Thomas has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week twice for his performances against UTEP and Oklahoma. For his career, Thomas has started all 24 games and posted 129 tackles (88 solo), seven TFL, nine INTs, 32 PBU and five forced fumbles. Thomas is an active member of the Longhorns’ community service program, including regularly spending time with children from the Dell Children’s Medical Center. He also is a member of the Longhorn Leaders program and has served as a mentor in his hometown. The Jim Thorpe Association announced the three finalists, including Tennessee’s Eric Berry and Florida’s Joe Haden, who will be invited to the nationally telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 10. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 9, 2010.