Steelhammer named semifinalist for Thorpe Award
10/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Air Force senior Weston Steelhammer has been named one of 16 semifinalist for the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back in college football, according to an announcement today from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Steelhammer leads the Falcons in tackles for the second straight season and interceptions for the third straight season. He has 43 tackles and two interceptions. Steelhammer had a team-high eight tackles vs. Hawaii Oct. 22 and a season-high 11 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup vs. Wyoming earlier this season. He is also on the Lott Impact Trophy, Bronko Nagurski and Senior Bowl watch lists this season.
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled not only as a running back, passer, and kicker on the offensive side of the ball; but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8, 2016 on ESPN. The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in Oklahoma.
