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2007 Jim Thorpe Award Recipient in Oklahoma City
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February 7, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY - Arizona senior cornerback Antoine Cason was named the winner of the 2007 Jim Thorpe Award before a nationally televised audience at the 17th Annual ESPN College Awards Show in Orlando, Fla. But the official bestowing of the award will take place in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, February 12 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
The award, presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back, is one of college football's most sought-after and prestigious awards. Thorpe Award winners are selected by the Jim Thorpe Association based on many criteria: academic performance, athletic ability, personal character, integrity, community involvement. The association supports a broad range of civic and charity activities in honor of American Indian professional football legend Jim Thorpe.
Antoine Cason was a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2006. By winning the award in 2007, Cason becomes the second Wildcat to receive the honor and the third player to do so in Pacific-10 history. Arizona cornerback Darryll Lewis won the award in 1990.
A two-time team captain, Cason wrapped up his final season in Tucson with a team-high five interceptions, 14 passes broken up and 71 total tackles. He scored two touchdowns on interception returns and two more on punt returns in 2007 to become Arizona's fourth-leading scorer for the year, despite not playing on offense.
Cason, who also was named the first Walter Camp First-Team All-American at the UA since 1999, wrapped up his four-year Wildcat career fourth all-time in Arizona history with 15 interceptions, including three for touchdowns, 32 passes defended and 253 total tackles. He started all 46 games in his career and missed only a handful of snaps in games that had already been decided.
A strong contributor to the Tucson community, Cason started the Cason Cares campaign and recently presented a check for $5,000 to the American Cancer Society in memory of his grandfather, Royce Rambo, who lost his battle with the disease last February.
Cason was eligible for the 2007 NFL Draft, but decided to postpone his pro career to complete his degree and continue his commitment to Arizona. The political science major is scheduled to graduate in May. He is among the top prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft.
For more information, please call Courtney McLaughlin at (405) 644-5271.
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INTEGRIS Health Corporate Communications
3030 N.W. Expressway
Suite 1620
Oklahoma City, 73112
(405) 951-4826 |
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