OKLAHOMA CITY – BYU defensive back Jakob Robinson was today named a semifinalist for the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award presented annually to the nation’s best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association.
The semifinalist list includes 15 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing seven conferences and one independent university. The semifinalists were selected by the Jim Thorpe Award Committee based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Robinson was previously named the Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week twice this season on Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. He is currently the only defensive back to receive the recognition twice in 2023.
Through nine weeks, Robinson is tied for sixth in the nation with four interceptions. The 5-11, 170-pound cornerback had two interceptions in BYU’s home win over Sam Houston, added a pick six to help the Cougars to a 35-27 victory over Cincinnati and recorded his fourth interception of the year in BYU's win over Texas Tech. He also has 47 tackles and eight total passes defended.
With four picks on the season, Robinson has his sights on current BYU cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford, who had six interceptions in the regular season in 2001 and a seventh pick in the 2001 Liberty Bowl.
Robinson has eight interceptions in the 33 games he has played over his three seasons at BYU (2021-23). WIth eight seconds to go in New Mexico Bowl in 2022, Robison made the game-saving solo tackle on SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai on a 2-point conversion attempt to seal the Cougars’ 24-23 win over the Mustangs.
The Jim Thorpe Award Committee will announce the finalists for the award as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Nov. 28. The committee is made up of the NCFAA, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.
As a member of the National College Football Awards Association, the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on ESPN’s live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.
The official presentation of the award will take place at the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet on Feb. 6, 2024 in Oklahoma City.
The Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after one of football’s greatest all-around athlete. 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. The Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top college football honors.
JIM THORPE AWARD 2023 SEMIFINALISTS
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, Junior
Jahdae Barron, Texas, Senior
Cole Bishop, Utah, Junior
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Junior
Cooper DeJean, Iowa, Junior
Renardo Green, Florida State, Senior
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Sophomore
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, Junior
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Sophomore
Jakob Robinson, BYU, Junior
Willie Roberts, Louisiana Tech, Senior
Jaylin Simpson, Auburn, Senior
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Sophomore
TJ Tampa, Iowa State, Senior
Trey Taylor, Air Force, Senior