Jahdae Barron named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist
For the second-consecutive year, Texas senior defensive back Jahdae Barron has been named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Tuesday. The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
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Barron is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the nation, consistently playing multiple positions in the Texas defensive backfield, while providing leadership as fifth-year veteran. Barron is one of 15 semifinalists up for the award.
A fifth-year defensive back, Barron has played in 49 career games with 31 starts. Prior to the season, Barron was named to the preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurksi Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award while obtaining preseason second-team All-SEC praise by the media and league’s coaches. Barron, along with teammate Andrew Mukuba, was announced as a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy on Oct. 21.
Barron is a part of a Longhorn defense that leads the nation in total defense (241.3), ranks second in scoring defense (11.5) and pass efficiency defense (90.77), and is third in passing yards allowed (135.8).
The Austin, Texas, native has started all eight games this season, leading UT in interceptions (3) and pass break-ups (6). Barron has recorded 29 total tackles (17 solo), three interceptions, nine passes defended and one fumble recovery. His three interceptions rank 14th nationally and second in the SEC. In addition, Barron ranks fifth on Texas in total tackles this season.
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This past weekend in UT’s road win at No. 25/25 Vanderbilt on Oct. 26, Barron compiled three tackles (two solo) and a pass break-up. Barron had a standout effort versus No. 5/4 Georgia on Oct. 19 where he snagged a career-high two interceptions to go along with four total tackles (two solo). With his two interceptions against the Bulldogs, Barron became the first Longhorn with two interceptions in a single game since D’Shawn Jamison accomplished the feat at West Virginia on Oct. 5, 2019 – a span of 63 games.
In Texas’ conference opener vs. Mississippi State on Sept. 28, Barron tallied a season-high six tackles (five solo) to go along with a season-high two pass break-ups. Barron also had a stellar performance in the 31-12 win at No. 10/9 Michigan on Sept. 7 where he logged four tackles (two solo), a fumble recovery and a pass break-up.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on Nov. 26 to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, members of the NCFAA and sports writers and college football journalists throughout the country. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 12, as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards.
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This week, Barron and Texas have a bye before hosting the Florida Gators at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will broadcast on ABC.
Via UT Press Release
