Oklahoma State University Athletics
Martin, Brown Are Thorpe Award Semifinalists
October 31, 2011 | Cowboy Football
Oct. 31, 2011
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State safety Markelle Martin and cornerback Brodrick Brown are two of 15 national semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award given to the nation's top defensive back, it was announced today.
OSU joins Alabama as the only two schools with multiple players on the Thorpe Award semifinalist list.
The two have factored prominently in Oklahoma State's 8-0 start to the season and No. 3 ranking in both the Associated Press poll and BCS rankings. Martin and Brown are two of the leaders of a Cowboy defense that leads in the nation in turnovers gained, passes intercepted and fumbles recovered.
Martin is the top-ranked safety on Mel Kiper's Big Board and ranks third on the team with 47 tackles. He adds 4.0 tackles for loss and seven passes deflected. His statistics are even more remarkable given the fact that most teams have avoided his side of the field this season.
Brown has been a key part of Oklahoma State's turnover surge this season, ranking among the national leaders with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He has logged 25 tackles, two tackles for loss and ties with Martin for the team lead with seven passes defended.
The presentation of the Thorpe Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The show, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard will feature the live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney's Spirit Award; The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award; and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team.
Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Antonio Allen, South Carolina
David Amerson, North Carolina State
Jonathan Banks, Mississippi State
Mark Barron, Alabama
Brandon Boykin, Georgia
Brodrick Brown, Oklahoma State
Morris Claiborne, LSU
Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt
Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
Nigel Malone, Kansas State
Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
T.J. McDonald, USC
Chase Minnifield, Virginia
