Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
It's not surprising considering how offenses have dominated in the Big 12 this season. But Missouri safety William Moore is the only player from the conference to be selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Moore, who missed two games earlier this season, ranks fourth on the Tigers with 59 tackles. He also has broken up four passes, forced two fumbles and produced a quarterback hurry. Amazingly, he has not recorded an interception this season.
Other semifinalists included:
- Asher Allen, Jr., Georgia
- Eric Berry, So., Tennessee
- Emanuel Cook, Jr., So. Carolina
- Vontae Davis, Jr., Illinois
- Trimane Goddard, Sr., N. Carolina
- Malcolm Jenkins, Sr., Ohio State
- Trevard Lindley, Jr., Kentucky
- Taylor Mays, Jr., USC
- Mike Mickens, Sr., Cincinnati
- D.J. Moore, Jr., Vanderbilt
- Alphonso Smith, Sr., Wake Forest
- Otis Wiley, Sr., Michigan State
Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 24. The winner will be announced on the ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
