Baylor Football's Jalen Pitre Named Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist

OKLAHOMA CITY – Baylor football senior Jalen Pitre is one of 12 semifinalists for the 2021 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, as announced Monday morning by the organization.

The award recognizes the best defensive back in college football, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

Through seven games so far this season, Pitre has collected 42 total tackles, 34 solo, with a Big 12-leading 8.5 tackles-for-loss. He has also added one sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two interceptions. The Stafford, Texas, product ranks 15th in the Big 12 with 6.0 tackles per game and is one of just eight players in the conference with at least two interceptions.

Pitre is coming off of his most productive game of the season, leading the Bears with 10 tackles, nine of which were unassisted, in the 38-24 win over BYU. He produced his first sack of the season as part of a 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and scooped up a fumble recovery which led to a BU touchdown.

Academically, Pitre graduated from Baylor in August 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team last season and is currently working towards a master’s degree in education psychology.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Selection Committee will reconvene on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The semifinalist list of a dozen candidates is not final and unlisted players who have continuous outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 9 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show. The official presentation of the award takes place in Oklahoma City, with the current winner and all former recipients invited to celebrate.

For the latest news on the Baylor football team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BUFootball.

2021 PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD SEMIFINALISTS
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State, Sr.

Coby Bryant, Cincinnati, Sr.

Lewis Cine, Georgia, Jr.

Jaylan Foster, South Carolina, R-Sr.

Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati, Jr.

Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame, Jr.

Matt Hankins, Iowa, Sr.

Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh, R-So.

Verone McKinley III, Oregon, So.

Ja’Quan McMillian, East Carolina, So.

Riley Moss, Iowa, Sr.

Jalen Pitre, Baylor, Sr.