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, a graduate of Miami Booker T. Washington High, 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 at Florida State to open the season.

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

Harris has come a long way since his freshman season, when he had 30 total tackles and three passes defended in 13 games as a true freshman.

The other semifinalists for the Thorpe Award: Javier Arenas of Alabama; Eric Berry of Tennessee; Barry Church of Toledo; Perrish Cox of Oklahoma State; Joe Haden of Florida; Taylor Mays of Southern Cal; Tyler Sash of Iowa; Darrell Stuckey of Kansas; Earl Thomas of Texas; Alterraun Verner of UCLA; and Kyle Wilson of Boise State.

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

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

Moore also has seven picks in eight games.

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