Jim Thorpe Award

The Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986.

Honorees:

• 1986 Thomas Everett, Baylor
• 1987 Rickey Dixon, Oklahoma; Bennie Blades, Miami (shared)
• 1988 Deion Sanders, Florida State
• 1989 Mark Carrier, Southern Cal
• 1990 Darryll Lewis, Arizona
• 1991 Terrell Buckley, Florida State
• 1992 Deon Figures, Colorado
• 1993 Antonio Langham, Alabama
• 1994 Chris Hudson, Colorado
• 1995 Greg Meyers, Colorado State
• 1996 Lawrence Wright, Florida
• 1997 Charles Woodson, Michigan
• 1998 Antoine Winfield, Ohio State
• 1999 Tyrone Carter, Minnesota
• 2000 Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
• 2001 Roy Williams, Oklahoma
• 2002 Terrence Newman, Kansas State
• 2003 Derrick Strait, Oklahoma