Texas S DeShon Elliott named a finalist for the Thorpe Award

A sensational season for Texas Longhorns junior safety DeShon Elliott has earned the Rockwall native recognition as one of the nation’s top defensive backs — Elliott was named a finalist for the Thorpe Award on Monday afternoon.

The other two finalists are Josh Jackson of Iowa and Minkah Fitzpatrick of Alabama.

Previous Longhorns to win the award include Michael Huff (2005) and Aaron Ross (2006). Additionally, Quentin Jammer (2001) and Earl Thomas (2009) were finalists for the award.

During Elliott’s first season as a full-time starter, he’s been a standout in the Texas secondary — he currently ranks tied for second nationally in interceptions (six) and interception returns for touchdowns (two). Those returns came in games against USC and Baylor.

Elliott, who is known as the Kraken because of his hard-hitting style of play, is third on the team with 52 tackles, along with 8.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His 8.5 tackles for loss ranks among the best in the country among all defensive backs. And he’s also tied for the team lead with five pass break ups and leads the team in forced fumbles with three.

The award will be presented on December 7 as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards in Atlanta.