IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa defensive back B.J. Lowery has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the week after his performance in Iowa’s 59-3 win over Western Michigan last Saturday. The announcement was made Wednesday by the Jim Thorpe Association. The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football.
The senior from Cincinnati, Ohio (Hughes HS) recorded two interceptions returned for touchdowns in addition to his four total tackles on the day. His first score of the day was a 35-yard return with 56 seconds remaining in the second period. His second touchdown covered 13 yards and came on Western Michigan’s first possession of the third period.
Lowery is the first Hawkeye ever with two interception return touchdowns in a single game and the second Big Ten player to accomplish the feat since 1998. He has three interceptions in Iowa’s last two games.
Iowa (3-1) begins Big Ten Conference play Saturday, traveling to Minnesota (4-0) for the annual battle for Floyd of Rosedale. Game time is 2:36 p.m. (ABC).