Darqueze Dennard wins Jim Thorpe Award

From a two-star recruit in rural Georgia without any offers to an All-American, Darqueze Dennard was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's top defensive back on Thursday.

Mark Dantonio has coached a lot of great defensive backs in his career, but Dennard is his first Thorpe Award winner, as well as MSU's first. You can thank Dave Warner for discovering him while scouting Keith Mumphery.

S/O to @DDennard_31 2013 Jim Thorpe Award winner. He is the best DB in the Nation. Go Green 🌹

— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzMSU) December 13, 2013

Congratulations to Darqueze Dennard @DDennard_31 on THROPE AWARD. First spartan to ever win it. #proud

— Harlon Barnett (@HarlonBarnett) December 13, 2013

#31 D. Dennard / Jim Thorpe Award Winner!! / Outstanding DB in USA / #spartandawgs

— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) December 13, 2013

S/O to my big bra @ddennard_31 for winning the Jim Thorpe award #proudofyou #31 #Spartanpride http://t.co/2IjOOTr0Rs

— Trae Waynes (@TWaynes_15) December 13, 2013

Darqueze Dennard wins Jim Thorpe Award for top DB. Michigan State opponents went 3-31 on throws of 15+ yards to receivers covered by him

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 13, 2013