The Jim Thorpe Award has been given each year since 1986 to the top defensive back in college football. Fresno State's Phillip Thomas leads the nation with eight interceptions, more than 29 teams.
And more than the other two finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award combined.
Yet, Thomas didn't win on Thursday.
T
he announcement was made live on ESPN during its College Football Awards Show. Johnthan Banks from Mississippi State beat out Thomas and Dee Milliner from Alabama.Banks has half as many interceptions (4) as Thomas this year, and far fewer tackles. However, he plays for a school in the SEC, considered by many to be the toughest conference in college football.
Some good news for Thomas, though, on Thursday; he was named a Walter Camp Football Foundation first team All-American. It's the third time in less than two weeks Thomas has been named a first team all-American.
Nevada running back Stefphon Jefferson (El Diamante HS) was also honored by the Walter Camp Football Foundation on Thursday as a second team all-American.
