A sensational season for Texas Longhorns junior safety DeShon Elliott has earned the Rockwall native recognition as one of the nation’s top defensive backs — Elliott was named a finalist for the Thorpe Award on Monday afternoon.
The other two finalists are Josh Jackson of Iowa and Minkah Fitzpatrick of Alabama.
Previous Longhorns to win the award include Michael Huff (2005) and Aaron Ross (2006). Additionally, Quentin Jammer (2001) and Earl Thomas (2009) were finalists for the award.
During Elliott’s first season as a full-time starter, he’s been a standout in the Texas secondary — he currently ranks tied for second nationally in interceptions (six) and interception returns for touchdowns (two).