Per GoBearcats:
Cincinnati cornerbacks Coby Bryant and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner were both named semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award on Monday.
Only 12 players were named to the list as the top candidates for the nation’s best defensive back award. It’s the first time since 2018 two players from the same team were named semifinalists.
Bryant, a senior, and Gardner, a junior, have been leaders for a second-ranked Bearcats squad that has jumped out to a 7-0 record behind the nation’s top pass defense.
UC ranks No. 1 in the nation in pass efficiency defense (89.72), No. 1 in opponent completion percentage (50.7%), No. 3 in interceptions (12), No. 3 in yards per attempt (5.2), No. 3 in TDs allowed (4) and No. 7 in pass defense (163.7). Cincinnati also ranks No. 3 in scoring defense (14.6) and No. 4 in red zone defense (61.9%, 13 of 21).
Bryant and Gardner each have two interceptions this season.
Bryant’s 11 passes defended are tied for third in the nation in 2021 and his 42 career passes defended rank third among active players. He has nine career interceptions. The Cleveland, Ohio, native was a First Team All-AAC selection in 2020 who chose to return for his fifth season this fall.
Gardner has allowed just nine completions all season and has two interceptions and two pass breakups. He has never allowed a touchdown in his career, spanning more than 850 coverage snaps. The Detroit, Mich., native was named a midseason All-American by the Associated Press, ESPN, The Athletic, Sporting News and CBS Sports. He is a two-time All-AAC First Team selection and was a First Team All-American in 2020 by USA Today and the Football Writers Association of America.
It’s the second straight season a Bearcat has been named to the semifinalist list after safety James Wiggins nabbed the honor in 2020.
The Jim Thorpe Award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The dozen semifinalists on this year’s list represent six conferences and are selected by a screening committee. The three finalists will be announced on Nov. 23 and the award will be presented to the winner on Dec. 9 at The Home Deport College Football Awards Show.
2021 PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD SEMIFINALISTS
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State, Sr.
Coby Bryant, Cincinnati, Sr.
Lewis Cine, Georgia, Jr.
Jaylan Foster, South Carolina, Redshirt Sr.
Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati, Jr.
Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame, Jr.
Matt Hankins, Iowa, Sr.
Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh, Redshirt So.
Verone McKinley III, Oregon, So.
Ja’Quan McMillian, East Carolina, So.
Riley Moss, Iowa, Sr.
Jalen Pitre, Baylor, Sr.
By Conference
AAC (3), ACC (1), BIG TEN (3), BIG 12 (1), IND (1), PAC-12 (1), SEC (2)
