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The University of Utah Athletics
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Clark Phillips III Named Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist
10/24/2022 12:30 PM | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY – Utah standout cornerback Clark Phillips III has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2022 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Three finalists will be selected on Tuesday, Nov. 29 with the winner being announced on Dec. 8 as part of the live The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN.
Phillips is Utah's first semifinalist for the award since Eric Weddle earned a spot on the list in 2006, also joining Andre Dyson who was selected as a semifinalist in 2000. Phillips has started in every game since coming to campus (26), earning Pac-12 All-Conference in 2021.
The Lakewood, Calif., native has eight career interceptions, including a school-record-tying four returned for touchdowns. He ranks fifth in program history with 227 career interceptions return yards.
This season, Phillips has 16 tackles (1.0 sack) and is tied for the national lead with five interceptions (two pick-sixes). As Utah's lockdown cornerback, his breakout game came against Oregon State, grabbing three interceptions and three tackles.
He earned national praise for his performance against the Beavers with his three interceptions being the first game by a Ute to have three picks since 2009, also ranking as the most in the Power Five in 2022. He also had an 80-yard pick-six at UCLA and an interception at Arizona State.
Clark Phillips III • 2022 Awards & Accolades
To get an inside look at the Utah Football program, follow the Utes on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Football | Instagram: @UtahFootball | Facebook: Search Utah Football), along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com for news, schedule and roster updates throughout the season.
The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Three finalists will be selected on Tuesday, Nov. 29 with the winner being announced on Dec. 8 as part of the live The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN.
Phillips is Utah's first semifinalist for the award since Eric Weddle earned a spot on the list in 2006, also joining Andre Dyson who was selected as a semifinalist in 2000. Phillips has started in every game since coming to campus (26), earning Pac-12 All-Conference in 2021.
The Lakewood, Calif., native has eight career interceptions, including a school-record-tying four returned for touchdowns. He ranks fifth in program history with 227 career interceptions return yards.
This season, Phillips has 16 tackles (1.0 sack) and is tied for the national lead with five interceptions (two pick-sixes). As Utah's lockdown cornerback, his breakout game came against Oregon State, grabbing three interceptions and three tackles.
He earned national praise for his performance against the Beavers with his three interceptions being the first game by a Ute to have three picks since 2009, also ranking as the most in the Power Five in 2022. He also had an 80-yard pick-six at UCLA and an interception at Arizona State.
Clark Phillips III • 2022 Awards & Accolades
- Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist (Oct. 24)
- Midseason All-America (AP, CBS Sports, College Football Network, Pro Football Focus, Sporting News, The Athletic)
- Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week (Oct. 6)
- Chuck Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 4)
- PFF Team of the Week (Oct. 3)
- Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 3)
- Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 2)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
- Chuck Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List
- Preseason All-America (AP; Athlon Sports; Phil Steele; Pro Football Focus; Pro Football Network; Walter Camp)
To get an inside look at the Utah Football program, follow the Utes on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Football | Instagram: @UtahFootball | Facebook: Search Utah Football), along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com for news, schedule and roster updates throughout the season.
Players Mentioned
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