All-American: J.T. Thatcher
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| J.T. Thatcher |
J.T. Thatcher, FS/PR/KR - 2000
A standout on both defense and special teams, J.T. Thatcher was named an All-American as both a defensive back and returner. The Mosi Tatupu Special Teams Player of the Year Award winner, Thatcher was one of only seven players to return two or more punts for a touchdown in 2000 and ranked ninth nationally in punt return average.
A four-time Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week selection, Thatcher set OU’s single-game (160) and single-season (599) records for punt return yards. He also posted the second-highest single-game kickoff return yard total with 150, including a 93-yard return to set up OU’s go-ahead touchdown against second-ranked Kansas State.
Thatcher was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award – awarded to the nation’s top defensive back – and tied school records for interceptions in a game (3) and season (8).
