Lurry, who leads the nation with seven interceptions, is one of 16 players in the country – and only from the MAC – to be named to the semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in college football. His career pass breakups (24) and interceptions (four) are first among active Wolverines, and his 16 PBUs this season are just two shy of the single-season record (18) shared by Hall (2006) and Marlin Jackson (2002). He also has 1.5 sacks and has forced a fumble.
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This is the third straight year Ole Miss has had at least one Thorpe Award semifinalist. The following year, Ramsey moved to the “star” nickel back position and collected several All-America accolades and All-ACC First Team honors. Thorpe excelled at every sport in which he competed, including football at which he played on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame will declare a victor December. 10, followed by a banquet February 2, 2016, per the award’s website.
Lewis joins Ohio State’s Vonn Bell and Iowa’s Desmond King as representatives of the Big Ten conference on the Thorpe Award watch list. Mike Hilton, Mississippi, Sr.
The SEC was also represented on the list by Vernon Hargreaves III of Florida, Mike Hilton of Ole Miss and Eddie Jackson of Alabama. Kevin Peterson, Oklahoma St., Sr.
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Florida State fans have become accustomed to the stellar play of junior defensive back, Jalen Ramsey, over the last couple of seasons.
