Was Alabama defensive back Eddie Jackson snubbed of an opportunity?
Thoughts from Alabama’s fan base swirled as a the junior was overlooked as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, an honor awarded to the nation’s top defensive back in college football.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced its three finalist Tuesday; however, Jackson did not make the cut. Vernon Hargreaves, III (Florida), Desmond King (Iowa) and Jeremy Cash (Duke) were tabbed as the three finalist. Cash is a senior, while Hargreaves and King are juniors.
Alabama’s secondary was referred to as the team’s weakest link in the last couple of seasons.
This year, however, has provided a stellar outing for the Crimson Tide’s defensive backfield. Secondary coach Mel Tucker has much to do with the group’s exceptional play, and the rest happens to fall on Jackson.
The junior leads the team in interceptions with five for 230 returns yards and two touchdowns. Jackson’s 230 return yards ranks him first in the nation, according to ESPN.
He has 37 total tackles, with two coming for loss. Jackson is performing this way after coming off a knee injury last year back in March. He was productive at cornerback, but a split second loss of speed is what led to his transition to safety. A position in which all he has to do is track the ball and deliver big hits, both of which are common to Jackson. With all of this information taken in, we return to the main question: Was Jackson overlooked as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award ? No, because his name is not quite in the hierarchy yet.
DB Jeremy Cash, Senior-Duke
Duke senior defensive back Jeremy Cash has had his resume prepared since 2013.
He totaled 121 tackles as a sophomore and has continued to build since then. Cash put in 111 total tackles last season, and falls second on the team this year with 94 tackles. He has 18.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Cash is already a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award and is a two-time All-American (2013-14).
CB Vernon Hargreaves, III, Junior-Florida
Hargreaves is a known commodity.
He has totaled 11 career interceptions, with four coming this season. Florida is 12th in the nation in pass defense (173.5 ypg) and seventh in yards averaged threw the air (5.6), according to ESPN. Hargreaves has 152 interception return yards and has Florida in a Southeastern Conference title game. It has an opportunity to compete for either a New Year’s Six Bowl or the College Football Playoff. He has 24 tackles this year and 112 for his career. Hargreaves was named first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC as a freshman and sophomore (2013-14).
DB Desmond King, Junior-Iowa
King has Iowa as the fourth and final seed in the College Football Playoff. He set a single-season school record with eight interceptions and has at least one pick in six games. Five of King’s eight interceptions have resulted in scores for the Hawkeyes. He has 54 total tackles this season (187 for career) and 10 pass breakups. Iowa is undefeated at 10-0 and will play for a Big Ten Conference title on Dec. 5 in Indianapolis.
A positive note
Eddie Jackson may not be a Jim Thorpe Award finalist, but he has this year’s Alabama team in position to secure its fourth SEC West crown under head coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide has a chance to play for its 25th SEC championship and its 16th national title in program history.
A return to Alabama next year would be beneficial for Jackson, despite his rise on NFL Draft boards. He can learn more about playing safety, make calls on the field and develop a niche in coverage as well as a hard hitter against the run. Former Alabama cornerback Antonio Langham was the last player to win the Jim Thorpe Award in 1993, but Jackson could accomplish it next season with more work.
I guess if I had a big name I'll be one of the finalist for the Jim Thorpe but it's all good I'm continue to prove them wrong
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) November 25, 2015
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.
