WVU's Karl Joseph Named the Jim Thorpe
Defensive Back of the Week
Week 1
Oklahoma City, OK – After notching three interceptions in the Mountaineers 44-0 shutout win over Georgia Southern, senior safety Karl Joseph (Orlando, FL) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week for week 1.
Karl Joseph helped lead the Mountaineers to a 44-0 shutout victory over Georgia Southern leading the team with a game-high 8 tackles, a fumble recovery and a career-best 3 interceptions (all in the 3rd quarter). Joseph’s three interceptions were the most by one player in a game since 1994.
Honorable Mention Players for Week One:
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville, Jr, S, 6-5, 230, Valdosta, GA.
Josh Harvey-Clemons posted a career-best 14 tackles in his first career start with the Cardinals after transferring from Georgia. Harvey-Clemons also posted 2 interceptions in the Cardinals’ narrow 31-24 loss to Auburn.
Justin Thomas, Utah, Jr, CB, 5-8, 178, Orange, TX.
Justin Thomas delivered a momentum-shifting, 55-yard interception for a touchdown in the 4thquarter against Michigan. Thomas also added 4 tackles in the 24-17 victory.
Tiquan Lang, Marshall, Jr, S, 5-8, 170, Miami, FL.
Tiquan Lang tallied 17 tackles and became just the second player in league history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game in their 41-31 victory over Purdue.
About the Jim Thorpe Award:
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 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10, 2015 on ESPN.
The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 21 awards boast 699 years of tradition-selection excellence. Visitwww.NCFAA.org to learn more about our story.
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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 player of the week will be announced every Wednesday at www.oksportshof.org and PhilSteele.com. ###
Defensive Back of the Week
Week 1
Oklahoma City, OK – After notching three interceptions in the Mountaineers 44-0 shutout win over Georgia Southern, senior safety Karl Joseph (Orlando, FL) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week for week 1.
Karl Joseph helped lead the Mountaineers to a 44-0 shutout victory over Georgia Southern leading the team with a game-high 8 tackles, a fumble recovery and a career-best 3 interceptions (all in the 3rd quarter). Joseph’s three interceptions were the most by one player in a game since 1994.
Honorable Mention Players for Week One:
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville, Jr, S, 6-5, 230, Valdosta, GA.
Josh Harvey-Clemons posted a career-best 14 tackles in his first career start with the Cardinals after transferring from Georgia. Harvey-Clemons also posted 2 interceptions in the Cardinals’ narrow 31-24 loss to Auburn.
Justin Thomas, Utah, Jr, CB, 5-8, 178, Orange, TX.
Justin Thomas delivered a momentum-shifting, 55-yard interception for a touchdown in the 4thquarter against Michigan. Thomas also added 4 tackles in the 24-17 victory.
Tiquan Lang, Marshall, Jr, S, 5-8, 170, Miami, FL.
Tiquan Lang tallied 17 tackles and became just the second player in league history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game in their 41-31 victory over Purdue.
About the Jim Thorpe Award:
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 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10, 2015 on ESPN.
The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 21 awards boast 699 years of tradition-selection excellence. Visitwww.NCFAA.org to learn more about our story.
.
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 player of the week will be announced every Wednesday at www.oksportshof.org and PhilSteele.com. ###