Williams Leaps Into Jim Thorpe Award Prominence

Oct. 9, 2001

NORMAN, Okla. - After anchoring a secondary that sparked Oklahoma to the national championship last year, Sooner safety Roy Williams was high on the pre-season watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football.

Saturday, Williams literally leapt to near, if not on, the top of the slate of 2001 Jim Thorpe Award candidates.

In front of a sellout crowd of 75,587 fans and a nation-wide television audience, Williams turned in a spectacular performance as Oklahoma turned back Texas, 14-3, in a battle of unbeatens.

Although already having an interception and a recovery of a blocked field goal attempt, the junior standout saved his best for last.

Oklahoma was clinging to a slim 7-3 lead with 2:01 remaining when they pinned down the Longhorns on the Texas two-yard line with a pooch punt. On the next play, Texas quarterback Chris Simms stepped back into the end zone to pass.

Williams came streaking from his safety spot, catapulted himself over the Longhorn offensive linemen and hit Simms just as he was releasing his throw. The football fluttered into the air. Oklahoma linebacker Teddy Lehman caught it and stepped into the end zone.

Game over.

And Williams' chances of winning the Jim Thorpe Award way up.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Williams Leaps Into Jim Thorpe Award Prominence

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