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Miami Hurricanes CB Michael Jackson, S Jaquan Johnson named Thorpe Award semifinalists

2 of the best DBs in America continue to earn top level recognition.

By Cameron J. Underwood
NCAA Football: Miami at North Carolina
2 of the best DBs in America.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday evening, Miami Hurricanes CB Michael Jackson and S Jaquan Johnson were both named semifinalists for the Thorpe Award.

Given annually to the best DB in America, the Jim Thorpe Award is synonymous with elite play in the defensive secondary. For the Canes, Jackson and Johnson provide that play, and are each worthy of their respective inclusion on this list.

There has only been 1 Miami Hurricane to ever win the prestigious Thorpe Award: S Bennie Blades in 1987.

Both seniors, Jackson and Johnson look to add their name to this list. They are in elite company, with 12 other players being named semifinalists in today’s release as well. Here is the full list of Thorpe Award semifinalists, in alphabetical order:

  • Ugochukwu Amadi, Oregon, Safety, Sr.
  • DeAndre Baker, Georgia, Cornerback, Sr.
  • Kris Boyd, Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
  • Nate Brooks, North Texas, Cornerback, Sr.
  • Grant Delpit, LSU, Safety, So.
  • Richie Grant, UCF, Safety, RSo.
  • Lavert Hill, Michigan, Cornerback, Jr.
  • Michael Jackson, Sr., Miami (FL), Cornerback, Sr.
  • Jaquan Johnson, Miami (FL), Safety, Sr.
  • Julian Love, Notre Dame, Cornerback, Jr.
  • Amani Oruwariye, Penn State, Cornerback, Sr.
  • Taylor Rapp, Washington, Safety, Jr.
  • Caden Sterns, Texas, Safety, Fr.
  • Greedy Williams, LSU, Cornerback, So.

For the 2018 season, Jackson, Miami’s #1 corner, has accumulated 22 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 PBUs, and elite, lockdown coverage all year long. Meanwhile Johnson, the heart and soul of Miami’s defense, has 44 tackles in just 5 games, and has been a key component for Miami’s top-ranked defense.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Jackson and Johnson are the ONLY PLAYERS from a team in Florida on this list. So, uh, y’all can dead that “best in the state” talk about any other DB on any other team in this state. Miami got not one, but the TWO CLEAR best DBs in-state, and others playing at an elite level as well (Trajan Bandy, Sheldrick Redwine).

Back to the lecture at hand, congratulations to Michael and Jaquan for their inclusion as Thorpe Award semifinalists.

Keep ballin’.

Go Canes