OKLAHOMA CITY – BYU defensive back Jakob Robinson was today named the Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week for his role in helping BYU to a 27-14 victory over Texas Tech last Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Robinson previously received the Jim Thorpe weekly award on Sept. 30, in week five of the season, and is currently the only defensive back to receive the recognition twice over the first eight weeks of the season.
The junior cornerback from Orem, Utah, was honored for his overall performance in collecting 10 tackles with eight solo takedowns, both career highs, along with a pass breakup and an interception he returned for 32 yards. BYU’s defense forced five Red Raider turnovers in the win.
The prestigious Jim Thorpe Award is awarded annually to the nation's best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Paycom. The award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
With four picks on the season, Robinson is on pace to become BYU’s all-time single-season interceptions leader with six, held by Kai Nacua (2015, 2016) and current BYU cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford (2001).
Through eight weeks of the 2023 season, Robinson is tied for fourth in the nation in interceptions, just one off the national lead of five. Previously, the 5-11, 170-pound cornerback recorded two interceptions in BYU’s home win over Sam Houston and added a pick six to help the Cougars to a 35-27 victory over Cincinnati in week five.
Robinson has eight interceptions in the 32 games he has played over his three seasons (2021-2023) at BYU. On the final play of the New Mexico Bowl in 2022, Robison made the game-saving solo tackle on SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai on a 2-point conversion attempt to seal the Cougars’ 24-23 win over the Mustangs.
Two other defensive backs, Mishael Powell of Washington and Elijah Jones of Boston College received Jim Thorpe Award honorable mention recognition for week eight of the college football season.
2023 Thorpe Award National Players of The Week
Week 1, Sept. 2 Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Week 2, Sept. 9 Alex Johnson, UCLA
Week 3, Sept. 16 Carlton Johnson, Fresno State
Week 4, Sept. 23 Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Week 5, Sept. 30 Jakob Robinson, BYU
Week 6, Oct. 7 Devin Grant, Buffalo
Week 7, Oct. 14 M.J. Devonshire, Pitt
Week 8, Oct. 21 Jakob Robinson, BYU