Strait Named Thorpe Award Finalist

Oklahoma's Derrick Strait is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back. The winner will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, telecast live from Disney World on December 11. Thomas Everett, the first winner of the award in 1986, will make the presentation on the ESPN show. Formal presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City, at the annual Jim Thorpe Awards ceremonies, February 9, 2004.

The other finalists are Miami's Sean Taylor and Florida's Keiwan Ratliff. All three of this year's finalists are listed on the Football Writers Association All-American team.

Derrick Strait on Sooner Awards

Strait has three interceptions for 127 yards, 11 pass breakups, 61 tackles, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. “No player has had a greater impact on our program since we've been here than Derrick,” asserts OU head coach Bob Stoops. “He is the consummate playmaker. He sets the example of the way we want our players to approach the game.” Strait also is a finalist for the Nagurski Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Thorpe Award has been presented since 1986, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. A “Screening Committee” of the Jim Thorpe Association researches and follows the performances of defensive backs as they compete through the season. The committee determines the semi-finalists the first week in November and selects three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. A nationwide panel of former coaches, players and sportswriters and sportscasters then votes to select the winner.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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