How is Eric Stokes not a Semifinalist for the Thorpe Award?

The Jim Thorpe Award is rewarded to the ‘top defensive back’ in College Football, or as they claim. The list of semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe award was released last week with many of the country’s top defensive backs. But one noticeable name was missing from the list this time around.

While senior safety Richard LeCounte was absent from the list this season, it is likely due to the injury he suffered following the Kentucky game that has sidelined the senior. Confusingly, Eric Stokes was left off the list this season.

Stokes, the 6’1 185 pound cornerback from Covington, Georgia, is one of the Dawgs’ top defensive backs. The former three-star recruit from Eastside High School rose to stardom in 2018 as a freshman when he started three of the last four games.

Stokes was one of the best cornerbacks on the roster as he lined up opposite of DeAndre Baker for the latter half of the season. Stokes would elevate his stock with exceptional performances against Missouri and Alabama and filling in for Baker in the Sugar Bowl as Baker opted out for the NFL.

This season Stokes is the best man-cover lockdown corner on the roster. Stokes is one of only three players in the SEC to record four interceptions this season. He is the only player to have returned two interceptions for touchdowns.

His stats do not end there as Stokes has not allowed catch to go for over 20+ yards in coverage this season. This is impressive as Stokes covers the best receivers on the opposition’s roster weekly.

The Covington native will decide at the season’s end whether he wishes to declare for the NFL Draft. Stokes will most likely be drafted by an NFL team whenever he wishes to enter the Draft. This is why his omission is bizarre.

Semifinalist

Bubba Bolden, Miami (FL), R-Junior

Jalen Catalon, Arkansas, R-Freshman

Kaiir Elam, Florida, Sophomore

Richie Grant, UCF, R-Senior

Allie Green IV, Tulsa, Senior

Shemar Jean-Charles, Appalachian State, Senior

Brandon Joseph, Northwestern, R-First Year

Trevon Moehrig, TCU, Junior

Tykee Smith, West Virginia, Sophomore

Patrick Surtain II, Alabama, Junior

Shaun Wade, Ohio State, Graduate

James Wiggins, Cincinnati, Senior