Mississippi defensive back Cody Prewitt (25) and defensive back Senquez Golson (21) react after Prewitt recovered a LSU fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (Photo/Thomas Graning)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Ole Miss seniors Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt are two of the 15 semifinalists for the 2014 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football.
Ole Miss is the only school to boast multiple semifinalists for the award, announced Monday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Golson, a cornerback from Pascagoula, is tied for the national lead with eight interceptions this season. That’s already tied for third-most in a season in school history. He has a pair of multiple-pick games (Louisiana-Lafayette and Tennessee) and has intercepted at least one pass in each of the last four outings.
Golson’s biggest moment came in the final 40 seconds against then-No. 1 Alabama, when his interception in the back of the end zone sealed the Rebels’ first ever win over a No. 1-ranked opponent. He also leads the SEC and ranks eighth nationally with 12 passes defended. His career total of 14 interceptions is the best among active SEC players and tied for fifth in Ole Miss history.
Prewitt was a first team All-America selection a year ago and has solidified his position as one of college football’s top defensive players again this season. The Bay Springs native ranks third on the team in tackles (43) to go with 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He turned one of his interceptions into a 75-yard touchdown return at Texas A&M.
Prewitt was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award last year, as well.
The Thorpe Award is named after history’s greatest athlete, Jim Thorpe, and is presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association in Oklahoma City. 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 three Thorpe Award finalists will be named Monday, Nov. 24, and the winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show airing Dec. 11 on ESPN. The winner of the 2014 Thorpe Award will be honored at a banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 3, 2015.
