Ex-Knights standout Arenas named Thorpe Award semifinalist

Posted Nov 16, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Nov 16, 2009 at 03:22 PM

Alabama senior defensive back Javier Arenas, a former Robinson High standout, recently was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which has been given annually since 1986 to college football’s top defensive back.

Arenas, a two-year starter at cornerback for the Crimson Tide, ranks third on the Crimson Tide this season with 54 tackles but leads the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and is tied for the team lead with four sacks. He also has one interception.

Arenas also is a standout return man. He needs 106 yards to break the SEC career record for punt return yardage and 172 to set the NCAA record. He was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2008 as both a defensive back and kick returner.

Arenas had two tackles in the Crimson Tide’s 31-3 victory Saturday over Mississippi State, which improved Alabama to 10-0 on the season.