Nice recognition for first-year starter Brandon Hill. He's having a nice season.
PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore safety Brandon Hill has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the best defensive back in college football. The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced the semifinalists Monday morning.
The Panthers' starting strong safety, Hill leads the team in tackles (46) and pass breakups (six). He has one interception, a game-clinching pick in Pitt's 41-34 victory at Tennessee last month.
Hill is coming off one of the finest games of his collegiate career. He keyed the Panthers' 27-17 win over Clemson this past weekend by compiling a team-high 11 tackles and three pass breakups, both personal bests. The Tigers completed just 47% of their passes for a mere 151 yards.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Selection Committee will reconvene on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts members of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients as well as sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 9 during ESPN's telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore safety Brandon Hill has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the best defensive back in college football. The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced the semifinalists Monday morning.
The Panthers' starting strong safety, Hill leads the team in tackles (46) and pass breakups (six). He has one interception, a game-clinching pick in Pitt's 41-34 victory at Tennessee last month.
Hill is coming off one of the finest games of his collegiate career. He keyed the Panthers' 27-17 win over Clemson this past weekend by compiling a team-high 11 tackles and three pass breakups, both personal bests. The Tigers completed just 47% of their passes for a mere 151 yards.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Selection Committee will reconvene on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts members of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients as well as sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 9 during ESPN's telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
