The tradition of strong defensive backs in the SEC is alive and well.

Three of the 16 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists released Monday hailed from the SEC, according to the list provided by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football.

Texas A&M senior Justin Evans, Alabama sophomore Minkah Fitzpatrick and LSU senior Tre’Davious White all made the cut to 16. Three finalists will be announced Nov. 22, and the winner will receive the award during the live Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 8.

The SEC had the second-most semifinalists for the accolade behind the Big Ten, which had four. Here is the complete list of semifinalists for the Thorpe Award:

Jaire Alexander, Louisville, So.
Budda Baker, Washington, Jr.
Travon Blanchard, Baylor, Jr.
Justin Evans, Texas A&M, Sr.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama, So.
Malik Hooker, Ohio State, So.
Adoree’ Jackson, USC, Jr.
Desmond King, Iowa, Sr.
Jourdan Lewis, Michigan, Sr.
Kai Nacua, BYU, Sr.
Jabrill Peppers, Michigan, Jr.
Weston Steelhammer, Air Force, Sr.
Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson, Sr.
Tre’Davious White, LSU, Sr.
Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
Andrew Wingard, Wyoming, Sr.