Holliman wins Jim Thorpe Award

Lake Buena Vista, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Louisville's Gerod Holliman was named the winner of the 2014 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back.

Holliman recorded an FBS-best and tied an NCAA single-season record with 14 interceptions this season to go along with 37 tackles. He helped Louisville rank sixth in total defense, allowing only 293 yards per game.

Holliman, who returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown, is the first Louisville player to win the award.

The other finalists were Alabama's Landon Collins and Oregon's Ifo Ekpre- Olomu.

Collins totaled 91 tackles with three interceptions this season, while Ekpre- Olomu posted 63 tackles with two interceptions.