As just a junior in 1989, free safety Mark Carrier became USC’s first-ever winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s best defensive back.
A 2-time first team All-American, Carrier had 7 interceptions in 1989 (tied for 10th in the nation), plus 107 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries and 10 pass deflections.
A 3-year starter with 13 career thefts, Carrier was a Thorpe semifinalist in 1988.