Pitt’s Erick Hallett II Named Thorpe Award Semifinalist
10/24/2022 2:30:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior safety Erick Hallett II, who ranks among the national leaders in interceptions and fumble recoveries, has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, it was announced this afternoon by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
The award is annually presented to the best defensive back in college football and takes into consideration "performance on the field, athletic ability and character."
This is the latest national recognition for Hallett, who previously was named a Midseason All-American by The Athletic, Athlon and Pro Football Focus. He is the lone ACC player on the Thorpe's semifinalist list.
A native of Cypress, Texas, and graduate of Cy-Fair High School, Hallett is responsible for five turnovers this season (three interceptions and two fumble recoveries). He additionally has totaled 23 tackles, two tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
Hallett ranks fifth nationally in fumble recoveries, 14th in interceptions and 20th in passes defended (nine total; 1.3 per game).
Through the season's midpoint, Pro Football Focus rated Hallett as college football's highest-graded slot cover man (87.8) from his free safety position.
In addition to national accolades, Hallett is meriting consideration for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is tied for the ACC lead in interceptions and ranks second in fumble recoveries.
As a junior last season, Hallett was named the winner of the John D. Swofford Most Valuable Player Award after he intercepted two passes—returning one for a 19-yard touchdown—in Pitt's 45-21 victory over Wake Forest in the ACC Championship Game.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Selection Committee will reconvene on the Sunday following Thanksgiving to select three finalists. The finalists will then be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on November 29.
The winner will be unveiled on ESPN's live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 8.
Hallett and the Panthers play at North Carolina this Saturday. The ACC Network telecast will kick off at 8 p.m.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The award is annually presented to the best defensive back in college football and takes into consideration "performance on the field, athletic ability and character."
This is the latest national recognition for Hallett, who previously was named a Midseason All-American by The Athletic, Athlon and Pro Football Focus. He is the lone ACC player on the Thorpe's semifinalist list.
A native of Cypress, Texas, and graduate of Cy-Fair High School, Hallett is responsible for five turnovers this season (three interceptions and two fumble recoveries). He additionally has totaled 23 tackles, two tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
Hallett ranks fifth nationally in fumble recoveries, 14th in interceptions and 20th in passes defended (nine total; 1.3 per game).
Through the season's midpoint, Pro Football Focus rated Hallett as college football's highest-graded slot cover man (87.8) from his free safety position.
In addition to national accolades, Hallett is meriting consideration for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is tied for the ACC lead in interceptions and ranks second in fumble recoveries.
As a junior last season, Hallett was named the winner of the John D. Swofford Most Valuable Player Award after he intercepted two passes—returning one for a 19-yard touchdown—in Pitt's 45-21 victory over Wake Forest in the ACC Championship Game.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Selection Committee will reconvene on the Sunday following Thanksgiving to select three finalists. The finalists will then be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on November 29.
The winner will be unveiled on ESPN's live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 8.
Hallett and the Panthers play at North Carolina this Saturday. The ACC Network telecast will kick off at 8 p.m.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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