Minkah Fitzpatrick from the University of Alabama has been named the 2017 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner, given to the top defensive back in college football based on ability and character. Fitzpatrick (6-foot-1, 203-pounds), is a sophomore from Old Bridge, N.J. (St. Peter's Prep).

The Paycom Thorpe Award is named after history's greatest athlete, Jim Thorpe, and is presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Thorpe excelled at every sport in which he competed, including football where he played on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

The other Paycom Thorpe Award finalists for 2017 were DeShon Elliott from Texas and Josh Jackson from Iowa. Fitzpatrick is the second player from Alabama to be chosen as a Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner. Antonio Langham from Alabama won the award in 1993.

The announcement was made at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show presented by Gildan on ESPN. Fitzpatrick was presented the Paycom Thorpe Award by former University of Oklahoma head coach, Bob Stoops on behalf of Paycom and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Paycom will honor Fitzpatrick at the Jim Thorpe Award Banquet on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in Oklahoma City. The banquet will be held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Ticket and sponsorship questions should be directed to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame at 405.427.1400.

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