TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Two of the 15 semifinals for the 2011 Jim Thorpe Award are members of Alabama's top-ranked defense.

Senior safety Mark Barron and junior cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick still are in the running for the award, which goes annually to the nation's top defensive back.

Alabama leads the nation in scoring defense (6.9 ppg), total defense (180.5 yards per game)and rushing defense (44.8). it ranks second in passing defense (135.6).

Barron also was a semifinalist last season. He ranks second on the team with 40 tackles and leads with 27 solo tackles. Barron has added 3.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, broken up five passes and recovered a fumble.

Kirkpatrick has 19 solo tackles and 18 assists. He has added two tackles for a loss, broken up eight passes and forced two fumbles.