BATON ROUGE – LSU cornerback Greedy Williams has been named one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented to the nation’s top defensive back, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Monday.
Williams, a sophomore from Shreveport, Louisiana, is joined on the list of finalists by Georgia’s DaAndre Baker and Notre Dame’s Julian Love. Williams is the only underclassman on the list of finalist.
A third-team All-America last year, Williams has played a key role in LSU’s defense leading the Southeastern Conference in both interceptions and takeaways. As a unit, LSU’s defense has accounted for 16 interceptions and 22 takeaways (16 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries). The Tigers also rank No. 2 in the SEC and No. 6 nationally in pass efficiency defense.
In 11 games, Williams has accounted for two interceptions and 10 passes defended. He’s also been credited with 31 tackles and eight pass breakups.
Williams is looking to become the third LSU player to claim the Thorpe Award as he would join Morris Claiborne in 2011 and Patrick Peterson in 2010 as past winners of the coveted trophy.
The winner of the 2018 Thorpe Award will be announced on Thursday, December 6 at ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will be held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Williams is one of four Tigers up for national awards as he’s joined by safety Grant Delpit (Nagurski), linebacker Devin White (Butkus) and placekicker Cole Tracy (Groza) as LSU’s national award finalists.