Ohio State’s Malik Hooker named semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award

This weekend didn’t go the way Ohio State football planned, but Monday begins a new week, and it’s already off to a good start. While Ohio State’s passing game may be struggling, other position groups, like the secondary, have shined. And now they’re starting to get some more individual accolades.

Ohio State’s Malik Hooker has been named as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, annually given to the best defensive back in the country. Hooker is sixth in the country currently with four interceptions, and his 36 tackles are good for third on the team.

His start to the season was simply electric, as he emerged as perhaps the top playmaker on Ohio State’s defense, with an ability to not only blow up running plays or make open field tackles, but also razzle dazzle with touchdowns like this one.

Hooker is one of four Big Ten players named as Thorpe semifinalists. Three finalists will be named on Nov. 21, and the award will be given on Dec 8.