OKLAHOMA CITY – Coming off a dominant defensive performance in Tennessee’s victory over No. 15 Oklahoma this past weekend, sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy has been named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week.
 
McCoy has proved to be one of the top cornerbacks in the nation through four weeks, and he did it again in a 25-15 Tennessee win at No. 15/13 Oklahoma. McCoy registered three tackles, one pass breakup and one interception that he returned 17 yards.
 
With Oklahoma driving, McCoy’s pick put the ball back into OU territory, and the Vols scored on the ensuing drive. According to PFF, McCoy logged 48 coverage snaps and did not allow a completion all night, while registering a 0.0 passer grade.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.