LSU safety Grant Delpit found out he was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, which is presented to the nation’s top defensive back, after his mother called him.
“She was in tears when she found out,” Delpit said. “So, it’s definitely a blessing being up for such a prestigious award. It’s crazy.
“I remember just watching the award show, growing up, with all the guys that won it. So it’s huge. Especially, knowing that I probably haven’t had the best year.”
Although he’s only missed one game this season, Delpit has battled and played through injuries for much of the 2019 schedule.
Still the safety, who was a unanimous All-America selection as a sophomore, ranks fourth on LSU with 50 tackles. He also has six passes defended and an interception.
He sat out the Tigers 56-20 win against Arkansas and was back at practice Monday and the junior said the rest helped.
“I think by the end of the week I should be at 100 percent,” Delpit said. “It felt good to be getting back out there. It was tough losing reps, missing practices… I hate it. I hate being away.”
Delpit said he’s looking forward to getting back on the field Saturday night when the No. 1 Tigers (11-0) host Texas A&M (7-4) at 6 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. LSU will honor 15 seniors prior to Saturday's game. Delpit, a junior, is projected to be a high pick in the 2020 NFL Draft so Saturday’s contest could be his final game in Baton Rouge as well. However, Delpit said he hasn’t decided if he’s planning to leave early for the NFL.
“I go out every game playing like it’s my last,” he said. “It’s going to be special memory in Tiger Stadium. But I haven’t made a decision or nothing like that yet. I’m going to go out there and play like it’s my last and hopefully, we get a good win.”