OKLAHOMA CITY - Louisiana Tech junior cornerback Amik Robertson was announced as one of 14 semifinalists for the 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, awarded to the best defensive back in college football, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Monday afternoon. 

National Release (Jim Thorpe)

In addition, Robertson also picked up Defensive Player of the Week honors in Conference USA - Tech's second weekly conference honor of the season (Bailey Hale, Special Teams POTW - Sept. 23). 

Through 2+ seasons in Ruston, the junior cornerback has made his name as one of the nation's best. Robertson has 14 interceptions in 33 games played as a Bulldog - the most among any active FBS player. 

On Saturday, Robertson picked off C-USA passing leader Jack Abraham three times, as the Bulldog defense held Southern Miss to just three points in the second half in Tech's 45-30 victory. With the feat, Robertson became just the third player in program history with three interceptions in a single game. He also added two additional pass breakups vs. the Golden Eagles, giving him five total passes defended on the day. 

Robertson became the first C-USA player with three interceptions in a single game since 2017 (Jalen Young, FAU) and just the 12th in league history. 

This season, Robertson leads all FBS with 16 passed defended. His five interceptions in 2019 are tied for second-most among national leaders. 

Robertson has been credited with 43 passes defended in just 33 collegiate games (14 INTs - 29 pass breakups). That number is 4th most among active career FBS leaders. 

This season, the Thibodaux, Louisiana, native has two interceptions returned for touchdowns, and is just one of two active players with three career pick sixes (Isaiah Rodgers - UMass). 

The 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner is selected from the three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Presented by Gildan and broadcasted live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award commemorative banquet will be held in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.

Semifinalists List (2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)

Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
Luq Barcoo, San Diego State, Sr.
Essang Bassey, Wake Forest, Sr.
Douglas Coleman III, Texas Tech, Sr.
Grant Delpit, LSU, Jr.
Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame, Sr.
AJ Green, Oklahoma State, Sr.
CJ Henderson, Florida, Jr.
Jevon Holland, Oregon, So.
Xavier McKinney, Alabama, Jr.
Tanner Muse, Clemson, *Gr.
Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State, Jr.
JR Reed, Georgia, Sr.
Elijah Riley, Army, Sr.

By Conference
ACC (2), BIG 10 (1), BIG 12 (2), C-USA (1), IND (2), MW (1), PAC-12 (1), SEC (4)

CAREER HONORS & AWARDS
• First Team All-Conference USA (2018)
• First Team All-Louisiana (2018)
• FWAA Freshman All-American (2017)
• Conference USA All-Freshman Team (2017)
• Second Team All-Conference USA (2017)
• Second Team All-Louisiana (2017)
• DXL Frisco Bowl Defensive Player of the Game (2017)