Washington State University Athletics
Luani Adds Honors, Named Jim Thorpe Defensive Player of the Week
October 21, 2015 | Football
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State junior safety Shalom Luani was named the Jim Thorpe Player of the Week, the Jim Thorpe Award announced Wednesday. Luani was also added to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame earlier this week.
Luani, already named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, recorded a game-high 11 tackles, eight solo, with two interceptions and a pass break-up in Washington State's 52-31 win over Oregon State. Luani's first interception, late in the fourth quarter, was returned 84 yards for a touchdown, WSU's only points of the second half and the first pick-six for the Cougars since the 2013 season. He added a second interception on Oregon State's next possession to seal the victory.
Luani became the fourth Pac-12 player this season with two interceptions in a game and recorded the longest interception for a touchdown in the conference this year. He has three interceptions in his last two games and is now tied for second in the conference.
Other players named honorable mention for this week's award were: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), Zack Sanchez (Oklahoma) and Artie Burns (Miami).
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list (Luani is not on the watch list) is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10, 2015 on ESPN. The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Former University of Oregon, and current Tennessee Titans Quarterback, Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014.
The winner of the 2015 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be announced on December 8, 2015. Five finalists will be unveiled on November 19. The formal presentation will be held at the Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29, 2016.
Luani, already named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, recorded a game-high 11 tackles, eight solo, with two interceptions and a pass break-up in Washington State's 52-31 win over Oregon State. Luani's first interception, late in the fourth quarter, was returned 84 yards for a touchdown, WSU's only points of the second half and the first pick-six for the Cougars since the 2013 season. He added a second interception on Oregon State's next possession to seal the victory.
Luani became the fourth Pac-12 player this season with two interceptions in a game and recorded the longest interception for a touchdown in the conference this year. He has three interceptions in his last two games and is now tied for second in the conference.
Other players named honorable mention for this week's award were: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), Zack Sanchez (Oklahoma) and Artie Burns (Miami).
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list (Luani is not on the watch list) is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10, 2015 on ESPN. The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Former University of Oregon, and current Tennessee Titans Quarterback, Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014.
The winner of the 2015 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be announced on December 8, 2015. Five finalists will be unveiled on November 19. The formal presentation will be held at the Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29, 2016.
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