Looking to the future, it’s becoming clear that DBU is most certainly back.
The duo of defensive backs Kris Boyd and Caden Sterns were named semifinalists for the 2018 the Jim Thorpe Award, signifying that they are part of a crew helping to earn the Longhorns back the moniker of DBU (or Defensive Back University). Boyd has said time and again this season he was not ready to accept saying DBU is back because they hadn’t earned it yet.
He might have a hard time saying that much more this season after the true freshman Sterns and the senior Boyd became finalists for the prestigious Thorpe Award. Texas has a long history with the Thorpe Award as Michael Huff and Aaron Ross won it in back-to-back seasons (2005-06), while three others have been named finalists for the award (Quentin Jammer, Earl Thomas, DeShon Elliott).
“They’re National Champions and all that — we’ve got some big, big shoes to fill. We’re nowhere near that but we’re taking a step,” Boyd said. “We’ve got some catching up to do.”
When asked what it means having Sterns play safety as Boyd lines up at cornerback, Boyd was more than thrilled to be asked and compared the comfort of his safety to a well-known insurance company.
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“It’s just like All State,” Boyd said with a laugh, then explained, “With All State you’re always in good hands, that’s how he is being my safety. I feel good, but I love him, he’s like a young brother.”
Huff checked in to say he approves of this new class of DBU.
https://twitter.com/Huffy247/status/1054414198162288645
The true freshman Sterns, a native of Cibolo, Texas, has started all seven games at safety for Texas this season. The first-year player has four interceptions, tied for the most in school history by a freshman and has 26 tackles (19 solo). [place_ad_1]
Sterns also has a pass breakup and blocked a field goal against USC, that was returned for a touchdown. In a game against TCU, Sterns had two interceptions, becoming just the third Longhorn true freshman ever with two interceptions in a game. For that effort, he was named Thorpe Award Player of the Week.
“I’m just trying to go out there and have fun and win for our team,” said Sterns of his mentality this season.
Instead of calling attention to his accolades, Sterns was more concerned with why fellow Texas defensive back Brandon Jones didn’t make the cut.
A native of Gilmer, Texas, Boyd started all seven games at cornerback this season and leads the team with nine pass breakups (which is tied for12th nationally). Boyd is fifth on the squad with 30 tackles (24 solo), with two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. During his Longhorn career, Boyd now has 29 pass breakups, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. As such, it is considered one of the most coveted awards in college football. The award recipient is selected by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts members of the NCFAA, an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, and sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after the greatest all-around athlete in history, Jim Thorpe. As a native Oklahoman, 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. [place_ad_1]
The 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Presented by Gildan on Thursday, Dec. 6 on ESPN. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award commemorative banquet will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in Oklahoma City.
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