OKLAHOMA CITY – BYU defensive back Jakob Robinson was named Thursday as the Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week for his role in helping BYU to a 35-27 victory over Cincinnati last week.
With 8:28 remaining in the first quarter, Robinson intercepted Bearcat quarterback Emory Jones and took it 42-yards for a touchdown to give BYU a 7-0 lead. In addition to his pick-six, Robinson added six tackles and a pass break in the Cougars’ win over Cincinnati.
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.
Through week five of the 2023 season, Robinson is one of just five FBS players in the country to have at least three interceptions, with one for a score. The 5-11, 170-pound cornerback from Orem, Utah, recorded two interceptions in BYU’s home win over Sam Houston to begin the season. He currently leads BYU in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (2) and is fourth in tackles (27).
Robinson has seven interceptions in the 30 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 2-point conversion to seal the Cougars’ 24-23 win over the Mustangs.
Two other defensive backs, Caden Jenkins of Baylor and Deshawn Jones Jr. of Bowling Green received Jim Thorpe Award honorable mention recognition for week five of the college football season.