Kansas University safety Darrell Stuckey this week was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Stuckey, a senior from Kansas City, Kan., is currently second on the team with 56 tackles and has been the anchor of the team’s defense this season. Three times this season he has finished with 10 or more tackles in a game, including 14 against Iowa State, 12 against Colorado and 11 against Duke.

He is also on the watch lists for the Nagurski, Bednarik and Lott awards.

2009 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists

Javier Arenas, Sr., Alabama

Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee

Barry Church, Sr., Toledo

Perrish Cox, Sr., Oklahoma State

Joe Haden, Jr., Florida

Brandon Harris, So., Miami (Fla.)

Taylor Mays, Sr., USC

Tyler Sash, So., Iowa

Darrell Stuckey, Sr., Kansas

Earl Thomas, So., Texas

Alterraun Verner, Sr., UCLA

Kyle Wilson, Sr., Boise State