Charles Gordon, who tied for the national lead with seven interceptions in 2004, is one of just four players on the list who is not in his senior year of eligibility.
This year, Gordon has 23 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and one quarterback sack. He is second on the team with two interceptions, despite playing the majority of the last four games mainly as a wide receiver.
This list will be narrowed on November 21, 2005, to three finalists, and the winner will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, telecast live from Disney World in Orlando, Fla., on December 8, 2005.
The Jim Thorpe Association first presented the award in 1986 to Thomas Everett of Baylor. The 1989 winner, Marc Carrier of USC, will present the Thorpe trophy on this year's ESPN show. The official presentation of the award will occur at a banquet in Oklahoma City, Okla., on February 7, 2006. Winners are selected for performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Last year's winner was Auburn University standout Carlos Rogers, who is now playing for the Washington Redskins.
The 2005 Jim Thorpe Semi-Finalists
Name Class School
Darnell Bing Jr. USC
Greg Blue Sr. Georgia
Darrel Brooks Sr. Arizona
Dion Byrum Sr. Ohio
Charles Gordon Jr. Kansas
Roman Harper Sr. Alabama
Michael Huff Sr. Texas
Tye Hill Sr. Clemson
LaRon Landry Jr. LSU
Brandon Merriweather Jr. Miami (FL)
Jimmy Williams Sr. Virginia Tech
Alan Zemaitis Sr. Penn State
Story courtesy: KUAC