LSU's Peterson Named Thorpe, Bednarik Finalist

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson added his name to the list of finalist for two more national awards on Monday as the junior was named as one of three finalists for both the Thorpe Award and the Bednarik Award. The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. It is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe, a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also was a standout defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as "The Legend", Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Bednarik Award, which is given to the outstanding defensive player in college football, is named after Chuck Bednarik, a two-way player for the Philadelphia Eagles for 14 years. Peterson is joined on the Thorpe Award list by Prince Amukamara of Nebraska and Tejay and Johnson of TCU. He's joined on the Bednarik list of finalist by Nick Fairley of Auburn and Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson.