BOISE, Idaho - Kyle Wilson, All-American cornerback at Boise State University, has been named a semi-finalist for the 2009 Jim Thorpe Award which is presented each season to the nation's best college defensive back.
A senior from Piscataway, New Jersey, Wilson joins a group of 12 semi-finalists. The list will be narrowed on Nov. 23 (Monday) to three finalists who will then be invited to the nationally telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10 (Thursday). The winner will be announced on the show with the official presentation at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 9 (Tuesday).
Wilson was selected to the 2009 Playboy preseason All-America team and last month was named a midseason All-American by Sporting News Magazine. Wilson has also been named a quarter-finalist for the Lott Trophy which recognizes student-athletes for performance, academics and community service.
Last week in Boise State's 45-7 victory over San Jose State, Wilson led the Bronco defense unit with five tackles, one tackle for loss and picked off a Spartan pass which he returned 27 yards for his first career touchdown from an interception. For his effort, Wilson was named the WAC Defensive Player of the Week.
Joining Wilson on the list of semi-finalists are Javier Arenas of Alabama; Eric Berry of Tennessee; Barry Church of Toledo; Perrish Cox of Oklahoma State; Joe Haden of Florida; Brandon Harris of Miami (Fla.); Taylor Mays of USC; Tyler Sash of Iowa; Darrell Stuckey of Kansas; Earl Thomas of Texas; and Alterraun Verner of UCLA.
Wilson and his Bronco teammates are back in action this Friday (Nov. 6) at Louisiana Tech. Kickoff is set for 7:01 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Courtesy: Boise State
