Alabama safety Landon Collins was a runner-up for the the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s best defensive back, at The Home Depot College Football Awards Thursday. Louisville’s Geord Holliman won the award, becoming the first Louisville player and ACC player to accept the honor.

Collins led No. 1 Alabama with 90 tackles and three interceptions and was selected first team All-SEC by both coaches and the AP. The junior was a runner-up for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s best defensive player.

Collins played a major role in leading the top-ranked Crimson Tide to a No. 11 ranking in total defense. The New Orleans, La., native has started in every game for Alabama since enrolling in 2012. Collins was a five-star prospect for the 2012 recruiting class and the No. 7 overall player, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The junior spoke with ESPN’s Kirk Herbsteit during the awards ceremony and previewed his team’s upcoming matchup against Ohio State.

“We were just surprised by it,” Collins said. “They knocked out TCU and we were just surprised by the fact that Ohio State jumped in there, but we’re ready for the game.