Alabama safety Eddie Jackson shared National Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Football Writers Association with freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick after a win over Texas A&M.
He shared the spotlight with no one Monday morning as the junior was named one of 16 semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, according to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Jackson has blossomed in his transition from cornerback to safety.
The Florida native leads the team interceptions (five), return yards (230) and is tied with Fitzpatrick in touchdowns with two. His 230 interception return yards are an all-time high for any Alabama player in a single season and currently ranks first nationally, according to ESPN.
Jackson’s five interceptions have him ranked third nationally. Former Crimson Tide defensive backs Mark Barron, Dee Milliner and Landon Collins all were nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award; however, it was cornerback Antonio Langham that was the last one to win in 1993.
The award is presented to the nation’s best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Jackson will lead Alabama’s secondary against LSU on Nov. 7 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
