Leon Hall sets all-time record for pass breakups

Senior cornerback Leon Hall recorded three pass breakups versus the Hoosiers bringing his career total to forty-three (43). That means that he broke the old mark of 41 that was held by Todd Howard (1998-2001). Hall is having an outstanding senior season as he has broken up a career best 18 passes and made three (3) interceptions. Hall was recently named as one of eleven semi-finalists for the 2006 Jim Thorpe Award which is presented to the nation's top collegiate defensive back for on-field performance, athletic ability and character. Hall is one of only two Big Ten Conference players on the list of semifinalists. (Ohio State's Antonio Smith is the other). The Thorpe Award's current list of 11 semifinalists will be trimmed to three finalists on Nov. 20. The winner of the 20th annual award will be announced during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Dec. 7. The official presentation of the Thorpe Award will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 12, 2007. Hall hopes to duplicate the feat of Charles Woodson who won the Thorpe Award in 1997. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Leon Hall (29) from Northwestern game by John T. Greilick/The Detroit News