Jackson wins Thorpe Award
USC’s Adoree’ Jackson is honored as nation’s top defensive back, first-team All-American.
USC’s Adoree’ Jackson on Thursday night won the Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in the nation.
Jackson was chosen ahead of fellow finalists Tre'Davious White of Louisiana State and Jourdan Lewis of Michigan. Jackson also was named to the Walter Camp AllAmerica first team.
After the Thorpe announcement during an awards program in Atlanta, Jackson told ESPN’s Chris Fowler that he was honored, "just knowing all the other great guys that were here."
Jackson is the second USC defensive back to win the award. Mark Carrier won it in 1989.
Jackson finished the regular season with four interceptions, 11 pass deflections and two fumble recoveries, all team highs. He also recorded 51 tackles.
His all-around game may have buoyed his candidacy. He returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns, tying for the national lead in overall return touchdowns.
Jackson is USC’s all-time leader in kickoff return yardage, at 2,045 yards, and is tied for the all-time USC punt return touchdown record, with four. — Zach Helfand
Among the other winners Thursday night was Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won the Walter Camp player of the year award, beating out fellow Heisman Trophy finalists Deshaun Watson of Clemson and Jabrill Peppers of Michigan as well as Washington quarterback Jake Browning and Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. Watson won the Davey O’Brien award as the nation’s top quarterback.
Former Baylor coach Art Briles sued three school regents and a vice president for libel and slander, accusing them of falsely stating he knew of reported assaults and alleged gang rapes by players and didn't report them.
The lawsuit also asserts that Baylor officials conspired to damage his reputation and keep him from getting another coaching job. It also seeks damages for emotional distress and likely ending his career as a coach “on any level.”
Briles was fired last May after an investigation determined that Baylor mishandled reports of alleged sexual and physical assaults, some by football players. Briles denies he knew about and failed to report alleged assaults.