Auburn DB Jaylin Simpson named Jim Thorpe Award finalist

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association released the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists. This list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing seven conferences and one independent university. The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 15 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This list is not final and unlisted players who have continually outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.

PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD 2023 SEMIFINALISTS

Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, Jr.
Jahdae Barron, Texas, Sr.
Cole Bishop, Utah, Jr.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Jr.
Cooper DeJean, Iowa, Jr.
Renardo Green, Florida State, Sr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, So.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, Jr.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, So.
Jakob Robinson, BYU, Jr.
Willie Roberts, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
Jaylin Simpson, Auburn, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, So.
TJ Tampa, Iowa State, Sr.
Trey Taylor, Air Force, Sr.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday following Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts members of the NCFAA, an OSHOF in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.

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. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the redesigned NCFAA.org or follow on Twitter at @NCFAA.

PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD IMPORTANT DATES

Tue., Nov. 28
Finalists Announced

The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.

Fri., Dec. 8
Winner Announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

The winner will be announced on ESPN's 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.

Tue., Feb. 6, 2024
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet
Honoring the 2023 Winner in Oklahoma City

The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.

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