A 90-plus yard interception return for a touchdown is likely to draw some eyeballs, and that's exactly what's happened for Ohio State nickel Jordan Hancock.
After his 93-yard pick-six gave Ohio State a 14-9 lead against Rutgers and flipped the momentum of the contest, which Ohio State ultimately won 35-16, Jordan Hancock was named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week on Friday.
Thorpe Award National DB of the Week, @jordanhancock_ pic.twitter.com/i8v41ZXBrl
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 10, 2023
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, named for famous football player and Olympian Jim Thorpe, is awarded annually by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame to the best defensive back in college football.
Hancock added five tackles to his interception and touchdown against the Scarlet Knights.
Ohio State safety Josh Proctor had a hand in making Hancock's big pick, deflecting the ball away from Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai and into Hancock's hands with a big hit.
GIMME DAT! - Jordan Hancock pic.twitter.com/VcKovxldFp
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) November 4, 2023
On the season, Hancock has 30 tackles with one tackle for loss, a sack and four pass deflections to go along with his interception. He started the campaign as a rotational piece behind starting nickel Sonny Styles, but saw his usage increase quickly, going from 28 snaps against Youngstown State in Week 2 to 50 against Western Kentucky in Week 3.
In each of the Buckeyes' past three games, Hancock has started and played 65 snaps or more. Two injuries have played a part in that: one to No. 1 cornerback Denzel Burke, which saw him rotate between nickel and outside corner against Penn State, and another to strong safety Lathan Ransom, who Styles has replaced full-time to leave the nickel spot all to Hancock.
With Ransom likely still out against Michigan State on Saturday, Hancock will once again be called upon to play a vital role as the Buckeyes' full-time nickel. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on NBC.
