AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pair of Texas Longhorns were honored as part of the College Football Awards ceremony Thursday.
Jahdae Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the country’s most outstanding defensive back, and Kelvin Banks Jr. picked up another award as he was named the Outland Trophy recipient.
Barron is the first Longhorn to win the award since Michael Huff and Aaron Ross did it in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006. He led the Southeastern Conference with five interceptions, which is also tied for third in FBS. He’s tallied 47 tackles, nine pass breakups and a forced fumble so far this season.
He’s anchored the Texas secondary to help make them one of the elite pass defenses in college football. The Longhorns lead the country in fewest passing yards allowed at 143.1 per game and turnovers gained with 28. Texas is No. 2 in scoring defense, allowing 12.5 points per game.
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Barron was also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the best overall defensive player in college football. South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard won the Nagurski Award.
Banks added the Outland Trophy to his Lombardi Award he won Wednesday, becoming the second Longhorn to win the trophy in as many years. T’Vondre Sweat won the Outland Trophy last year, given to the most outstanding interior lineman in college football, either offensive or defensive.
Banks anchored the Texas offensive line in his third year and is part of the unit that’s a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. Banks was also named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s All-America first team.
Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter took home six awards, the Biletnikoff Award (best receiver), Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player), Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player), Lott IMPACT Award along with the Associated Press player of the year and the Walter Camp player of the year.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won the Maxwell Award, given to the country’s most outstanding players as voted on by the Maxwell Club. He also won the Doak Walker Award for the country’s best running back.