University of Miami sophomore cornerback Brandon Harris was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's top college defensive back.

Harris is tied for second in the country in pass breakups (11) and passes defended (12), while ranking third on the team with 42 tackles. He had a career-high nine tackles in the opener at Florida State.

He has one interception, made Oct. 10 during the Florida A&M game.

Harris, named a Midseason First-Team All-American by SI.com last week, has come a long way since last season. In 2008, he had 30 total tackles and three passes defended in 13 games as a true freshman.

``He was blown away, excited,'' said Harris' older brother, Tim Jr., who discovered the news Tuesday night and was the first to tell his younger brother. ``At the same time, he was disappointed in the performance against Wake Forest.

``We had talked about him being on the list before the season, but it was more in passing and half-joking. I know Brandon worked hard in the offseason and he has been doing a great job. When people do what they're supposed to do, things happen for them. I'm very proud of him getting the national recognition he deserved.''

Tim Harris Jr. was a four-time All-American track star at UM and is now coaching quarterbacks for Booker T. Washington High, where he and Brandon played. Their father, Tim ``Ice'' Harris Sr., works at UM as an assistant to UM coach Randy Shannon.

The other semifinalists for the Thorpe Award include Joe Haden of Florida.

Two surprising omissions from the list: DeAndre McDaniel of Clemson and Rahim Moore of UCLA.

McDaniel and Moore are tied for the national lead in interceptions. McDaniel, who had two against Miami, has seven interceptions in eight games. The one against Miami was returned for a touchdown.

UM HALL OF FAME

The noon game for the Hurricanes (6-2, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) on Saturday against Virginia (3-5, 2-2) will be part of homecoming weekend.

As part of the festivities, the Hurricanes will introduce the UM Sports Hall of Fame's 2010 class. Headlining the class: Daniel ``Bubba'' Franks, the tight end who played for UM from 1997 to '99.

Franks was drafted 14th overall in 2000 by the Green Bay Packers. He played nine seasons in the NFL, catching 262 passes for 2,347 yards and 32 touchdowns.

At UM, Franks earned All-Big East twice, and was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press in 1999 and a first-team All-American by The sporting News.

His 12 career touchdown receptions is a school record for tight ends and tied for sixth all-time among UM receivers, along with fellow inductee Jim Cox.

Cox, now retired and living in Ronald, Wash., played quarterback at Miami Columbus High and was converted to a wide receiver.

He set UM records for receptions and receiving yards when the Canes mostly ran on offense.

Cox played for UM from 1965 to '67 and was drafted in the second round by the Dolphins in 1968.

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