UTAH UTES
Clark Phillips III, Cole Bishop Up For Jim Thorpe Award
SALT LAKE CITY- Award watch list season has been very good to the Utes in 2022. Cornerback Clark Phillips III and safety Cole Bishop both were named Monday morning to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list given out to the best college football defensive back. 35 of the nation’s best defensive backs were named to the watch list with the winner being announced on December 8th at the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
The official presentation of the award will take place in Oklahoma City following the award show with the current winner and past recipients all invited to take place in the festivities.
About Jim Thorpe Nominees Phillips III, Bishop
Phillips III came on strong in 2021 after showing incredible promise in a shortened 2020 freshman season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Finishing a historical season for the Utes with 61 total tackles, 45 solo and 16 assisted tackles, Phillips III proved he was no one to mess with. Phillips III also included two interceptions- one for a touchdown, and a forced fumbled to his resume.
Phillips III’s most impressive feat was slowing down a prolific Buckeye offense led by C.J. Stroud in Utah’s first ever Rose Bowl. Phillips III finished that game with 5 total tackles, 4 solo, one assisted, one interception and one forced fumble.
.@ClarkPhillips21 & @Cole_bishop_8 have been named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watchlist!
Read: https://t.co/CDYPIn0ScY pic.twitter.com/n0mUk2ZYom
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 25, 2022
In the middle of the backfield, Bishop has been no slouch either. Slowed up a bit by injuries to start his freshman year in 2021, Bishop wasted little time making his presence known once he could hit the field. Bishop finished his first season at Utah with 54 total tackles, 35 solo, 19 assisted, three sacks, one fumble recovery and five passes defended.
Bishop was also impressive against Ohio State with eight total tackles, four solo, and four assisted tackles. Bishop’s fumble recovery also came in the Rose Bowl after teammate and fellow Jim Thorpe nominee Phillips III forced a fumble.
