Muhammad Named Semifinalist For Thorpe Award
10/29/24 | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oregon's Jabbar Muhammad was announced on Tuesday as one of 15 semifinalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's most outstanding defensive back.Â
Muhammad is one of four Big Ten defensive backs to be named a semifinalist. He is the ninth Oregon defensive back to be a semifinalist (11th time overall), and first since Verone McKinley III was a finalist for the honor in 2021.Â
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
A senior transfer, Muhammad has been a key piece to an Oregon defense that currently ranks 10th nationally in scoring defense (15.6 PPG), 12th in total defense (297.3 YPG) and 17th in passing defense (173.8 YPG).Â
Muhammad is currently tied for third in the Big Ten with seven pass breakups, and tied for seventh in passes defended. The Ducks' defense is tied for third nationally in pass breakups (42) and tied for fifth in passes defended (49).Â
2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Jahdae Barron, Texas, Sr.
Jalen Catalon, UNLV, Sr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, Jr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, So.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Xavier Scott, Illinois, Jr.
Terrence Spence, James Madison, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Nohl Williams, California, Sr.
Muhammad is one of four Big Ten defensive backs to be named a semifinalist. He is the ninth Oregon defensive back to be a semifinalist (11th time overall), and first since Verone McKinley III was a finalist for the honor in 2021.Â
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
A senior transfer, Muhammad has been a key piece to an Oregon defense that currently ranks 10th nationally in scoring defense (15.6 PPG), 12th in total defense (297.3 YPG) and 17th in passing defense (173.8 YPG).Â
Muhammad is currently tied for third in the Big Ten with seven pass breakups, and tied for seventh in passes defended. The Ducks' defense is tied for third nationally in pass breakups (42) and tied for fifth in passes defended (49).Â
2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Jahdae Barron, Texas, Sr.
Jalen Catalon, UNLV, Sr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, Jr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, So.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Xavier Scott, Illinois, Jr.
Terrence Spence, James Madison, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Nohl Williams, California, Sr.
Players Mentioned
DB
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