Fifth-year senior Jahdae Barron claims he’s the best defensive back in the world.
While he may still have a long way to go before that comes true, Barron is one step closer after being named a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award last Tuesday. The honor is given to the top defensive back in the nation based on a mixture of athletic ability and character. This will be Barron’s second consecutive year on the list, but this time he can prove that his confident words aren’t empty ones.
“His versatility is better than anybody else’s … He’s such a gamer that if we need a change of momentum, number seven is there,” junior defensive back Michael Taaffe said during Monday’s media availability. “We saw it last year, we saw it the year before and now we’re truly seeing it this year. I think he deserves that award. I wish it was up to me. He’s deserved everything that he’s gotten, and he’s worked his tail off. I’m so proud of Jahdae.”
A staple of the veteran leadership this season, Barron has been crucially versatile in the secondary throughout his time as a Longhorn, and his presence has not been taken for granted by his teammates or head coach Steve Sarkisian. Barron currently leads the team in interceptions with three and pass break-ups with six, and Pro Football Focus has him graded as the best cornerback in the Power Four conferences this season.
The Austinite’s choice to return for another year instead of opting out and declaring for the NFL Draft this past spring has proven to not only be beneficial for the team’s culture and performance but also shows Barron and his teammates that staying patient and determined pays forward.
“His decision to come back was one that I wish all of our guys would go through (if they went through) the same process he went through,” Sarkisian said. “Part of that process is getting the grades from the NFL. … If the things are tangible in there to improve that grade, it sure is worth your while because I think so many times guys are thinking, ‘I just got to get to the league so I can get to a second contract.’ Wherever you get drafted in that first deal, that is your money for that first four years, and so you never get a chance to go make that back. I think Jahdae has made himself a ton of money this year by coming back.”
Barron said NFL grades aside, what fuels his improvement as an individual playmaker are the efforts made by everyone in the program to give him opportunities to shine.
“I’m just training myself to keep pushing and to be committed to the process and not just committed to the results of what I’m getting,” Barron said. “I’m just trying to go and put my best foot forward every day, bring the best version of myself and trust in the people around me. These coaches put me in the best position to make plays. Without the team, the defense and the D-line, I wouldn’t make the plays I’m making. It all works hand in hand.”
The Jim Thorpe Award Committee will select three finalists from the pool of 15 semi finalists on Nov. 26, and Barron looks poised to be the last man standing on Dec. 12 to receive the prestigious accolade.
