Maybe all the lobbying worked?
Days after Texas Longhorns senior safety Andrew Mukuba and redshirt junior safety Michael Taaffe showed up for the post-game media availability following the 31-14 win over the Kentucky Wildcats in Austin wearing shirts promoting the Thorpe Award candidacy of senior corenrback Jahdae Barron, the Pflugerville Connally product was named a finalist along with Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks.
In truth, though, Barron’s resume speaks for itself — he’s tied for the SEC lead and tied for 12th nationally with four interceptions along with 41 tackles (27 solo, 14 assisted), 10 defensive stops, five pass breakups, eight passes defended, one fumble return, one sack, two quarterback hurries.