KU Cornerback Aqib Talib Named Thorpe Award Semifinalist

Aqib Talib has three interceptions in 2007.

Nov. 7, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib was named as one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award it was announced late Tuesday. The award is given annually to college football's top defensive back.

Talib, who led the nation in passes defended with 28 and tied for the Big 12 lead with six interceptions a year ago, has been very active on the field again this season.

The 6-2, 205-pound junior from Richardson, Texas, enters this week's game at Oklahoma State ranked 10^th in the country in passes defended at 1.44 per game and tied for 74^th in interceptions at 0.33 per contest.

Through nine games Talib has made 39 tackles to rank fifth on the team. He has three interceptions, including a 100-yard return for a score against Florida International, as well as 10 pass break-ups.

Talib has also seen limited time as a wide receiver and has pulled in eight receptions for 182 yards (22.8 average) and four touchdowns. Earlier this season, he had a stretch with a touchdown in five straight games with four receptions and the interception return for scores.

Talib has been a part of the Kansas defense, which ranks seventh in the country in total defense as well as second in scoring defense, sixth in rushing defense and 46^th in passing defense.

The Jayhawks are 9-0 and ranked fourth in this week's Bowl Championship Series (BCS) poll.

On November 19, the Thorpe list will be narrowed to three finalists, who will be invited to the nationally-telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 6. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on February 12, 2007.

Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists

Trey Brown, Sr., UCLA

Antoine Cason, Sr., Arizona

Vontae Davis, So., Illinois

Malcolm Jenkins, Jr., Ohio State

Mike Jenkins, Jr., South Florida

Kenny Phillips, Jr., Miami

James Silva, Sr., Boston College

Reggie Smith, Jr., Oklahoma

Craig Steltz, Sr., LSU

Julius Stinson, Sr., Wyoming

Aqib Talib, Sr., Kansas

Tom Zbikowski, Sr., Notre Dame