It seems as though Erick Hallett has only gotten better and better every week since Pitt’s ACC championship win last December.
In recognition of Hallett’s impactful season prowling the secondary of Pitt’s defense, he’s been named as one of the 12 semifinalists for the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award — the award given to the top defensive back in college football.
In seven games this season, Hallett has recorded 23 tackles (15 solo), two tackles for loss, three interceptions, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
According to PFF, Hallett has allowed just 10 receptions for 96 yards on 27 targets — holding opposing quarterbacks to a 20.7 passer rating. Hallett’s 80.7 defensive grade is the fourth highest on Pitt’s defense, and his 85.0 coverage grade is the second highest.
With five games left this season, Hallett has the opportunity to build upon his ACC-leading three interceptions against a few pass-heavy offenses in North Carolina, Virginia and Miami.
Hallett is joined by Tennessee’s Trevon Flowers, Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes, TCU’s Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson, Utah’s Clark Phillips, Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr., Ohip State’s Lathan Ransom, Nevada’s Bentlee Sanders, Georgia’s Christopher Smith, Oklahoma State’s Jason Taylor and Illinois’s Devon Witherspoon.
The Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football, taking into consideration performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
The Jim Thorpe Selection Committee will gather again the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the final regular season week of the season, to select three finalists.
The Thorpe Award will be announced on Nov. 29 as part of a special ESPN presentation.
