Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson hasn’t been able to stay out of the headlines this season. And in his case, it hasn’t been a bad problem to have.

From being the nation’s leader in interceptions at one point and dancing along the sidelines with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, to coining the term “Plankton mentality” last week, Simpson has had himself a time through the front half of his fifth and final season on The Plains.

And it’s not going unnoticed.

On Tuesday morning, Simpson was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which is awarded annually to the best defensive back in college football.

Simpson lands himself on the list having tallied 22 tackles, four interceptions, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

According to Pro Football Focus, Simpson ranks as the nation’s fourth-best safety in coverage having played 216 coverage snaps and only allowing 11 receptions on 19 targets. Meanwhile, Simpson has yet to allow a touchdown catch.

Three finalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on Nov. 28, followed by the winner being announced on Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Awards.