Arenas Semifinalist For Thorpe Award

Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas is one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's best defensive back.

The Jim Thorpe Award Screening Committee in Oklahoma City announced that Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas is one of 12 semifinalists for its award.

Arenas, a senior from Tampa, Fla., was almost unrecruited out of high school, but has been a three-year starter in the Bama secondary and one of the nation's most electric punt return men.

On November 23 the committee will announce three finalists, who will be invited to the nationally telecast Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 10. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on February 9, 2010.

The 2009 award marks the 24th presentation of the trophy, first won in 1986 by Baylor's Thomas Everett. Last year's winner was Ohio State University's Malcolm Jenkins, now playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Jim Thorpe Award winners are selected for performance on the field, athletic ability and character.