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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas senior defensive back Jahday Barron has been named a Paycom Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist for the second year in a row, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Tuesday. This award is given annually to the most outstanding defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athleticism, and character.
Barron is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the nation, consistently playing multiple positions in Texas’ defensive backfield while providing leadership as a fifth-year veteran. Baron is one of 15 semifinalists competing for the award.
Barron, a fifth-year defensive back, has played in 49 career games, starting 31 of them. Before the season, Barron was named to the preseason watch list for the Bronco Nagursi Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, earning preseason second-team All-SEC recognition from the media and coaches around the league. Baron, along with teammate Andrew Mukuba, were announced as quarter-finalists for the Lott Impact Trophy on 21 October.
Barron is part of a Longhorn defense that ranks first in the nation in total defense (241.3), second in scoring defense (11.5) and pass efficiency defense (90.77), and third in passing yards allowed (135.8).
The Austin, Texas native has started all eight games this season and leads UT in interceptions (three) and pass breakups (six). Barron totaled 29 tackles (17 solo), three interceptions, nine passes defensed and one fumble recovery. His three interceptions rank 14th nationally and second in the SEC. Additionally, Barron ranks fifth in the state of Texas in total tackles this season.
Last weekend, Barron recorded three tackles (two solo) and a pass breakup in UT’s road win at No. 25/25 Vanderbilt on Oct. 26. Barron had a standout performance against No. 5/4 Georgia on Oct. 19, recording a career-high two interceptions and four total tackles (two solo). With his two interceptions against the Bulldogs, Barron became the first player to do so in a single game since DeSean Jamison achieved the feat in 63 games against West Virginia on Oct. 5, 2019. He was the first Longhorn to do so. In the University of Texas Conference opener against Mississippi State on September 28, Barron had a season-high six tackles (five solo) and a season-high two pass breakups. Barron also had a strong performance in a 31-12 win at No. 10/9 Michigan on Sept. 7, recording four tackles (two solo), one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. times were recorded.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on November 26 to select three finalists. Finalists for the award will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, November 26th. The recipient will be chosen from among three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, home to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. House Awards Committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipient, NCFAA member, and sportswriters and college football journalists across the country. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 12, as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards.
This week, the Barons and Texas will have a bye before hosting the Florida Gators on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The match will be broadcast on ABC.
