Ross makes it two straight Thorpe awards for Texas

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Aaron Ross of Texas won the Jim Thorpe Award as college football's top defensive back on Thursday night.

Ross, a senior cornerback, is the second consecutive Texas player to win the Thorpe, following safety Michael Huff.

The other finalists were Michigan cornerback Leon Hall and Florida safety Reggie Nelson.

Ross has 71 tackles, 23 passes defended and has been involved in 10 takeaways -- five interceptions and three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also has scored two touchdowns for the 18th-ranked Longhorns.