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Lincoln -- Nebraska sophomore free safety Josh Bullocks has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2003 Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s best college defensive back.
The 6-0, 195-pound Bullocks leads the nation in interceptions with eight in Nebraska’s first nine games. His eight interceptions have established a new Husker single-season record, breaking a 33-year-old record previously held by three players, who had seven interceptions in a season. Bullocks’ efforts have spearheaded the nation’s most opportunistic defense, as Nebraska leads the nation in total takeaways (35), interceptions (21) and turnover margin (+1.89 per game).
Bullocks intercepted two passes in Nebraska’s season-opening victory against Oklahoma State and has had a single interception in six of the last eight games. He also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against Iowa State and blocked a punt of his own in the same game to earn Big 12 Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors.
Bullocks is the only sophomore on the semifinal list and is one of three Big 12 Conference players selected, joining Oklahoma senior cornerback Derrick Strait and Oklahoma State junior cornerback Darrent Williams. Big 12 Conference schools have produced six winners in the 17 years the award has been presented, including Kansas State’s Terrence Newman last season and Roy Williams of Oklahoma in 2001.
The three finalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11. The Thorpe Award has been presented since 1986, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Jamaal Brimmer, UNLV, Safety, Jr.
Josh Bullocks, Nebraska, Safety, So.
James Butler, Georgia Tech, Safety, Jr.
Jason David, Washington State, CB, Sr.
DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech, CB, Jr.
Keiwan Ratliff, Florida, CB, Sr.
Stuart Schweigert, Purdue, Safety, Sr.
Derrick Strait, Oklahoma, CB, Sr.
Sean Taylor, Miami, Safety, Sr.
Mark Walker, TCU, Safety, Jr.
Corey Webster, LSU, CB, Sr.
Darrent Williams, Oklahoma State, CB, Jr.