Ohio State DB Jeff Okudah named semifinalist for Thorpe Award

With team accomplishments come individual awards — or so that’s what they say. Well, Ohio State is having one heck of a season on the field, and with it, we’ve got some individual news. Cornerback Jeff Okudah was announced Monday as a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award given to college football’s best defensive back annually.

At 6-1, 200 lbs., Okudah has begun to separate himself by throwing himself all over the field. He leads the Big Ten and is tenth nationally with three interceptions, and rarely has a pass completed against him. His athleticism and ball skills jump off the film when you see him play.

Okudah also has seventeen tackles and three pass breakups on a defense that’s allowing just the second most yards per game in the country, and is tied for the fewest amount of touchdowns allowed through the air.

And now, he’s one of fourteen semifinalists for the most prestigious award you can earn as a defensive back in the college game.

CB @jokudah, whose play is a major reason why @OhioStateFB is 7-0 and has the nation’s No. 2-ranked statistical defense, was today chosen as one of 14 semifinalists for the 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, awarded annually to the best defensive back in college football.

— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) October 21, 2019

The 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show Presented by Gildan and broadcasted live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.