Press Release:
CLEVELAND, Ohio- After coming up big defensively for Maryland in their 24-21 win over Boston College, senior safety Antwine Perez (Westville Grove, N.J.) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week.
Perez had a hand in all three of Boston College’s turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble recovery, which helped Maryland take a 21-7 lead at halftime. He first recovered a Montel Harris fumble on the BC 38 which set up a Maryland touchdown drive and then picked off Chase Rettig’s pass on the Eagles’ next offensive play which set up another Terrapin touchdown drive. Finally Perez also stopped a potential BC scoring drive, intercepting Rettig at the Maryland 26 with less than 30 seconds to go in the opening half.
Perez, who is tied for second in the ACC in passes defended (1.29 per game), also had four tackles, including a half of a tackle for loss.
Honorable Mention Players for Week Eight:
Adrian Hills, Arkansas State, Junior Defensive Back-Hills recorded a career-high two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, over the final 10 minutes of the Red Wolves’ 37-16 fourth-quarter comeback victory against Florida Atlantic.
Sean Cattouse, California, Junior Safety-Had 8 tackles, an interception and 2 pass breakups in California’s 50-17 win over Arizona St.
John Boyett, Oregon, Sophomore Safety-Boyett had 7 tackles and an interception in Oregon’s 60-13 win over UCLA. Boyett’s interception came on UCLA’s opening drive with the Bruins driving deep in Duck territory and set the tempo for the rest of the game.
Hakeem Smith, Louisville, Redshirt Freshman Safety-Had eight tackles and a forced fumble in Louisville’s 26-0 win against Connecticut.
About the Jim Thorpe Award:
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of college football’s most sought after and prestigious awards. It is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also was an awesome defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as “The Legend”, Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The candidates for the award are selected by a “screening committee” of Jim Thorpe Association members who follow several players throughout the season, watching games and researching information sources to grade Thorpe Award candidates on the basis of performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The committee then narrows the field three finalists and the names of these finalists are submitted to a national panel of about 50 sports writers, sportscasters, coaches and former players who vote to determine the winner.
The presentation of Jim Thorpe Award will be featured on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards live on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The show, hosted by ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will feature the live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney’s Spirit Award; The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award; and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team. Fans can visit the show’s dedicated Web site at http://www.espncollegefootballawards.com to find the latest college football awards news, including show details, previous winners, fan voting, a photo gallery and video highlights.
Each week, Phil Steele will be overlooking the candidates issued by the school, the conference and distinguished committee members. After including his own personal input, the winner will be announced every Thursday at jimthorpeassoc.org and PhilSteele.com.
