Printer-Friendly Format     E-mail this article     Tom Zbikowski ranks second on the team in tackles - even while missing one game win an injury.

Irish senior safety is one of 11 semifinalists.

Nov. 8, 2006

Notre Dame senior safety Tom Zbikowski has been named a semifinalist for the 2006 Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation¹s best college defensive back. Zbikowski is one of 11 semifinalists announced by the Jim Thorpe Award Screening Committee.

Zbikowski is in the midst of yet another strong season as he ranks second on Notre Dame¹s defense with 59 tackles despite missing one game due to an injury. The senior from Arlington Heights, Ill. has also tallied one tackle for loss, one pass break-up, two quarterback hurries, forced one fumble and returned a fumble 25 yards. Zbikowski has also excelled as a punt returner, returning one punt 52 yards for a touchdown against North Carolina. The touchdown was his third punt return for a score and seventh touchdown in his Notre Dame career.

The Thorpe Award List will be narrowed Nov. 20 to three finalists who will be invited to the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Dec. 7. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 12, 2007.

Thorpe Award winners are selected for performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The 2006 semifinalists are:

Antoine Cason, Jr., Arizona
Leon Hall, Sr., Michigan
Daymeion Hughes, Sr., Calfornia
LaRon Landry, Sr., LSU
Marcus McCauley, Sr., Fresno State
Reggie Nelson, Jr., Florida
Darrelle Revis Jr., Pittsburgh
Aaron Ross, Sr., Texas
Antonio Smith, Sr., Ohio State
Eric Weddle, Sr., Utah
Tom Zbikowski, Sr., Notre Dame