UM’s Lewis, Peppers semifinalists for Thorpe Award

Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers are among 16 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Iowa senior cornerback Desmond King, from Detroit East English Village, also is a semifinalist.

Lewis, a senior cornerback from Detroit Cass Tech, has played in four games as he was limited by a back injury early this season. He has been targeted just 10 times and has allowed seven passing yards. He has four pass break-ups and one interception.

Peppers, a junior linebacker / safety from Paramus, New Jersey, has 40 tackles, including a team-leading 10 for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Lewis said Monday that he thinks cornerback teammate Channing Stribling would make a more deserving semifinalist.

"Honestly, I think Channing (Stribling) deserves to be up there rather than me or Jabrill," said Lewis, who missed the first three games of the season. "He has three picks right now and a touchdown. And guys are throwing his way and you can see he’s taking care of business."

Three finalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced Nov. 21 and the winner will be revealed live on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 8.

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THORPE AWARD SEMIFINALISTS

Jaire Alexander, Louisville

Budda Baker, Washington

Travon Blanchard, Baylor

Justin Evans, Texas A&M

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Malik Hooker, Ohio State

Adoree’ Jackson, USC

Desmond King, Iowa

Jourdan Lewis, Michigan

Kai Nacua, BYU

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Weston Steelhammer, Air Force

Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

Tre’Davious White, LSU

Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech

Andrew Wingard, Wyoming