One of two semifinalists from the Big 12 (Oklahoma State's Kevin Peterson is the other), Sanchez is looking to become OU's fourth Thorpe Award winner. Rickey Dixon (1987), Roy Williams (2001) and Derrick Strait (2003) were previously honored.
Sanchez is tied for second place in the Big 12 with his three interceptions this season and has also registered four pass breakups, 28 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He returned one of his interceptions 38 yards for a touchdown two games ago in OU's 55-0 win at Kansas State.
For his career, Sanchez has 11 interceptions. He's returned three of those for touchdowns, tied for the most in OU history.
Three Thorpe Award finalists will be named on Monday, Nov. 23, and the winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10 (will air on ESPN). The winner of the 2015 Thorpe Award will be honored at a banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 2, 2016.