Two State Players Among Semifinalists for Jim Thorpe Award

He was a two-year starter at cornerback prior to this year. The Smyrna, Tenn., native ranks second in the ACC in passes defended (1.14 per game) and total pass breakups (eight).

Hare, who has won the award three times in his career, went 24 for 38 with 267 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in a 49-21 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. His 230 interception yards are an all-time high for a single season in Alabama history and now rank first nationally as well. The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back. Thorpe excelled at every sport in which he competed, including football at which he played on offense and defense.

Three finalists for the award will be named on November 23, and the victor will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10 airing on ESPN, according to a press release. The victor will also be honored during a banquet in Oklahoma City in February.

White is looking to become LSU's third Thorpe Award victor, joining Patrick Peterson in 2010 and Morris Claiborne in 2011.

Lewis joins Ohio State's Vonn Bell and Iowa's Desmond King as representatives of the Big Ten conference on the Thorpe Award watch list. Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida, Jr. Shawun Lurry, N. Illinois, So.

Florida State fans have become accustomed to the stellar play of junior defensive back, Jalen Ramsey, over the last couple of seasons.