Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason has won the 2007 Jim Thorpe Award, given to college football's best defensive back.

In front of Arizona head coach Mike Stoops, Cason's parents and other relatives, the 6-foot-0, 185-pound senior was given the award over Jamie Silva of Boston College and Craig Steltz of LSU.

Cason won the award after a season in which he totaled 71 tackles – 56 solo – along with five interceptions, 14 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a sack. Cason's play helped lead Arizona to a 5-7 record.

Live on ESPN, Cason praised Stoops and the UA program for helping develop him to the top cornerback in the country.

"It's a great Wildcat family," Cason said. "The whole community; students are behind you, coaches as well. The coaches believed in me, my family and my teammates. I have to give it to my teammates as well. They believed in me and I went out there and worked hard."

Antoine also gave credit to his father, Wendell Cason, for his success as a football player.

"He always taught hard work, preparation and dedication, so that's what I took to college and it worked out for me," Antoine said.

Before winning the Thorpe Award, Cason was named to the Walter Camp All-American Team. He's also been named to the Rivals.com All-American Team and was first-team All Pac-10.

He's the second Arizona player to win the Thorpe Award, the first being Darryl Lewis in 1990.

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