University of North Texas Athletics
Brooks Named Semifinalist For Thorpe Award
10/22/2018 2:43:00 PM | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY – Senior cornerback Nate Brooks was named as one of 14 semifinalists the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Monday.
The Thorpe Award is given to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Brooks is one of two players on the list representing schools from the Group of Five, along with UCF's Richie Grant.
Brooks has had a monster season in 2018 for the Mean Green defense, posting four interceptions, six pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 31 tackles and a tackle for loss. His four interceptions are tied for second most in the nation, and he is part of a defensive unit that has 13 interceptions, also ranking second nationally. His 10 passes defended ranks 16th most in the country.
North Texas' defense is allowing 19.0 points per game through eight games after allowing 35.0 per game a year ago. Brooks has been instrumental in that turnaround that has the Mean Green at 6-2.
The three finalists for the Thorpe Award will be named on Monday, November 19, at 10 a.m. CT and the winner will be announced live at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6, airing on ESPN. The winner of the Thorpe Award will be honored at a banquet in Oklahoma City on February 5, 2019.
The Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Ugochukwu Amadi, Oregon, Safety, Sr.
DeAndre Baker, Georgia, Cornerback, Sr.
Kris Boyd, Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
Nate Brooks, North Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
Grant Delpit, LSU, Safety, So.
Richie Grant, UCF, Safety, RSo.
Lavert Hill, Michihan, Cornerback, Jr.
Michael Jackson, Miami (FL), Cornerback, Sr.
Jaquan Johnson, Miami (FL), Safety, Sr.
Julian Love, Notre Dame, Cornerback, Jr.
Amani Oruwariye, Penn State, Cornerback, Sr.
Taylor Rapp, Washington, Safety, Jr.
Caden Sterns, Texas, Safety, Fr.
Greedy Williams, LSU, Cornerback, So.
The Thorpe Award is given to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Brooks is one of two players on the list representing schools from the Group of Five, along with UCF's Richie Grant.
Brooks has had a monster season in 2018 for the Mean Green defense, posting four interceptions, six pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 31 tackles and a tackle for loss. His four interceptions are tied for second most in the nation, and he is part of a defensive unit that has 13 interceptions, also ranking second nationally. His 10 passes defended ranks 16th most in the country.
North Texas' defense is allowing 19.0 points per game through eight games after allowing 35.0 per game a year ago. Brooks has been instrumental in that turnaround that has the Mean Green at 6-2.
The three finalists for the Thorpe Award will be named on Monday, November 19, at 10 a.m. CT and the winner will be announced live at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6, airing on ESPN. The winner of the Thorpe Award will be honored at a banquet in Oklahoma City on February 5, 2019.
The Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Ugochukwu Amadi, Oregon, Safety, Sr.
DeAndre Baker, Georgia, Cornerback, Sr.
Kris Boyd, Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
Nate Brooks, North Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
Grant Delpit, LSU, Safety, So.
Richie Grant, UCF, Safety, RSo.
Lavert Hill, Michihan, Cornerback, Jr.
Michael Jackson, Miami (FL), Cornerback, Sr.
Jaquan Johnson, Miami (FL), Safety, Sr.
Julian Love, Notre Dame, Cornerback, Jr.
Amani Oruwariye, Penn State, Cornerback, Sr.
Taylor Rapp, Washington, Safety, Jr.
Caden Sterns, Texas, Safety, Fr.
Greedy Williams, LSU, Cornerback, So.
Players Mentioned
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