Utah Cornerback Clark Phillips III Named Jim Thorpe Award Semi-Finalist
Oct 24, 2022, 1:34 PM
Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) glides into the end zone for a touchdown after intercepting a pass as Utah and Oregon State play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY- Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III was announced as one of 12 semi-finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award Monday afternoon. Phillips III is largely considered one of- if not the best cornerbacks in the country this season. Some NFL Draft analysts are even predicting Phillips III to be a first-round Draft pick for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
🏆 Congratulations to this year’s Semifinalists for the Paycom @jimthorpeaward 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0749obvmVX
— Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (@jimthorpeaward) October 24, 2022
The Jim Thorpe Award goes out annually to the best defensive back in country based on a range of criteria including athletic ability, on-field performance and character. Three finalists will be selected on November 29th and the winner will be announced on December 8th on the Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN.
About Clark Phillips III
Phillips III is currently tied for first in the country with interceptions with five on the season, two of which have been pick sixes. He also has 16 tackles and one sack on the season.
For his career with the Utes, Phillips III has recorded eight total interceptions and has tied a school record of four returned for touchdowns in a career. Phillips III is currently fifth in Utah football history in return yards from interceptions with 227.
Phillips III put the nation on notice back on October 2nd against Oregon State where he snagged three interceptions in one game- one of which was a pick six while also recording three tackles for the Utes.
The last time the Utes had someone make the Jim Thorpe Award semi-finalist list was back in 2006 with safety Eric Weddle. Andre Dyson was a semi-finalist for the award before that in 2000
Phillips III will be put to the test once more after a BYE week against Washinton State and quarterback Cam Ward this Thursday in Pullman. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1.
